Hudson Young doesn't want to be known as a grub. The Canberra Raiders forward wants to use 2020 to change people's perception.
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And the 21-year-old has vowed his hands will be as far away from faces as possible this season.
Young is suspended for the opening five rounds and doesn't need to be asked twice who the Raiders face when he's eligible to return.
Newcastle at Wagga Wagga. He's got it circled on his calendar.
His suspension was for eye gouging - his second charge for the offence in 2019.
It's something that's attached a stigma to his name and it's something he's determined to change.
Young said he didn't need to change anything in regards to his tackling technique - it's more being disciplined and aware of where his hands are.
He's worked closely with assistant coaches Andrew McFadden and Brett White to ensure it doesn't happen again.
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"They've given me different pointers and worked on a few different things, aggression and discipline, and being able to stay focused for the full time that I'm out there," Young said.
"Being labelled as a grub is probably something that comes along with footy, but it's something I don't want to have next to my name so I look forward to in 2020 trying to get rid of that.
"Just knowing where your hands are is a big thing in the NRL.
"Especially with stuff on the face, they don't tolerate much of it. In 2020 no hands will be near no faces."
Young has accepted his ban and has used his enforced lay off as an opportunity to make himself the fittest he's ever been - so when round six comes he'll be ready to play wherever Raiders coach Ricky Stuart wants him to.
In 2020 no hands will be near no faces.
- Hudson Young
He hasn't missed a session over the pre-season and has used it to learn off international stars like Elliott Whitehead and Joe Tapine.
"I can look at it one or two ways. I can either fall out the back door and kick stones, but at the end of the day it was my mistake and I've had to own that," Young said.
"It is frustrating, but it gives me time to get fitter and stronger and work on things I have to work on in my game."
NRL ROUND ONE
Friday: Canberra Raiders v Gold Coast Titans at Canberra Stadium, 6pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.