HE IS now a Junior Kangaroo, but a few months ago an attitude problem put Patrick Mago's future at the Canberra Raiders perilously close to the scrap heap.
And the back-rower credits tough love from under-20s coach Mick Mantelli and Josh Papalii's family for helping him ''pull his head in''.
Early this season, Mago arrived late for training once too often. His teammate, Josh's younger brother John, was banished to local football for failing to show at all, and his contract will not be renewed for next year.
Mantelli and under-20s assistant coach Dean Souter read Mago the riot act, warning him he was on his last chance or he would be out the door.
Thankfully, Mago listened. Tardiness and off-field drama have been replaced by hard work and professionalism.
Read more:
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/tough-love-turns-mago-into-junior-kangaroo-20131012-2vfoe.html#ixzz2hwA1vhNP
Topic: Tough love turns Mago into Junior Kangaroo
