'This is the year': Khan-Pereira feels NRL debut in reach

That opens the door for the 21-year-old - who is now in his third full pre-season at Parkwood; but even though his opportunity is there for the taking, he isn't going to shy away from continuing to better himself given how close he is to a debut.

"It's coming along great to be honest. I've got a lot of positive feedback and worked extremely hard on myself, so I'll be definitely in with a good shot," Khan-Pereira said.

"I think I'm more switched on this year and I've become a whole new person. I'm a better player and a better person off the field as well."

"I definitely think this year is the year. That spot is right there... it's right within my grasp. It's now up to me as to whether I want it or not."

Coming off a stellar season playing for Burleigh in the Hostplus Cup, the Gold Coast flyer scored an incredible 25 tries to take home top try-scoring honours and be named the winger of the year in the competition.

It's a title Khan-Pereira is still a little shy to accept, but does feel it's been a great stepping stone to a start in first grade.

"I don't like to brag too much... but it's good," he admitted.

"It's definitely a confidence booster for me to crack into that NRL squad."

"I didn't really make all those state teams (playing junior footy), but every time I didn't make it, it just pushed me even more to go to through the grades and make that next level."

Getting a two week break for Christmas, upon returning to continue working hard in his second block of pre-season, the youngster's next goal will be to impress in the pre-season trial against the Brisbane Broncos on Sunday, February 12 at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

"I think it'll be awesome to play against them with all the high quality players they have in their side," Khan-Pereira said.

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