Cronulla lock Billy Magoulias believes his ball-playing skills could be a point of difference in 2020 as he battles with Jack Williams to wear Paul Gallen’s No.13 jersey.

The 23-year-old played just two NRL games last season, but polished off the year with two miraculous clutch moments for Newtown to win the NSW Cup grand final and the State Championship.

In consecutive weeks, Magoulias showed slick skills to produce a chip-and-chase in the dying minutes to steal victory from the jaws of defeat.

And he’s confident he could do it again for the Sharks if given the chance this year.

“I think the NRL is about pressure and I’m not scared to grab the ball when the game is on the line and that’s probably something that I learned about myself,” he told AAP.

“You don’t really know until you get into that situation.”

Gallen’s retirement opened the door for both Magoulias and Williams to establish their place in the famous No.13 jersey this year, giving coach John Morris two tough but different players to consider for the job.

The robust Williams played all but one game for the Sharks last year from the bench, while Magoulias’s ball playing would make him the ideal bench player.

And although starting is his preference, he’s mature enough to keep his eye on the big prize.

“Just because there’s a few blokes at one club vying for it, doesn’t mean whoever doesn’t get it hasn’t been performing, it’s more about doing the job for the team and making sure the club this year is strong,” he said.

“For me this year it’ll be about being consistent with my actions and playing well every single week.

“I want to play all games this year and I want to play well.

“I don’t just want to be one of those guys who just hangs around and doesn’t really do their job. I want to be playing well and help the Sharks play semi-finals football and then get deep into the finals.”