Queenslander Todd Waters admits that Wanneroo’s fourth round of the Monster Energy MX Nationals was his toughest round to date in 2012, but still managed to claim a third podium of the year.

The Motul Pirelli Suzuki rising star finished a fine third overall in the unforgiving sand of WA, scoring 4-4-3 results in the trio of gruelling motos.

Again showing impressive speed and consistency at just 21 years of age, Waters has proven that he and the RM-Z450 are one of the most competitive combinations in the sport.

“I’m not going to say it was an easy day, because it was probably the toughest one I’ve had to date,” Waters explained. “I had bad starts all day and was trying to come through the pack, so the front guys were just running away from me.

“The last moto went really good, I came from 19th and managed to get up into third. I was really happy with how that went.”

Waters is adamant that his maturity is on the rise, racing to his ability and taking points when he can, which has resulted in a superb podium run so far.

“I’m starting to mature that little bit,” he explained. “A couple of times I’ve sort of stepped it back, I don’t need to be on my head, because that would just send me backwards.

“I took my time and I managed to get up there with two fourths and a third for third overall. My goal is to get on that box every weekend and that’s what we’re starting to do.”

Waters is now third in the championship standings, 45 points behind series leader Josh Coppins as the halfway point approaches.