Afu joined Newcastle from Championship side Doncaster

Newcastle flanker Josh Afu believes he has something to offer coach Steve Bates whether starting games or coming off the bench for the Premiership side.

The Tongan, 22, has been patient in waiting for his chance after making his debut against Albi in October.

"Everyone wants to have one to 15 on their back, but there's a role for everyone," Afu told BBC Newcastle.

"I will push for a spot to start, but if not I'm happy to be in the 22 and to inject something when I do get on."

Brisbane-born Tonga international Afu has struggled with injury since he signed from Championship side Doncaster in April.

A slipped disc in his neck held up his debut and the former Queensland Reds back-rower is now pleased to be free of injury and pushing for a first XV place.

"I'm back playing and I'm happy to be back," he said.

"I've been fortunate to get decent game time off the bench and I'm just looking to stake a claim for a place."

Afu's early Falcons experience has come in the European Challenge Cup and LV= Cup competitions, the latter a tournament which Falcons made changes for in their opening game at Worcester.

However the versatile forward believes success in every competition is important, and expects Sunday's opponents Harlequins to field a competitive line-up.

"I don't know whether it isn't a priority but we definitely go out there to win every week," he added.

"We want to stake our claim. Worcester put out a very strong side last week and only made a couple of changes. They had a lot of class.

"I saw a bit of the Harlequins v Scarlets game and they were unlucky not to get anything out of the game. They will definitely be very strong this weekend."

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