AFTER making four appearances in the tri-colours in 2019, Albion Park-Oak Flats product Drew Hutchison is hungry to add to that total after recently extending his deal with Sydney Roosters.
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Hutchison, who made his NRL debut with St George Illawarra before having a stint in the UK with Leigh, will remain with the premiers until the end of 2020.
"Towards the back end of the year, after I had strung a couple of games together, my manager mentioned to me they [the Roosters] wanted to extend my deal," Hutchison said.
"As they were the only club to show interest in me at the end of 2018 and I was really enjoying my time at the club, it was a no-brainer to extend my deal for another year.
"A one-year extension deal really suited me at this stage of my career, because I know first hand six months, let alone one year, is a long time in footy.
"Being able to train and play with such a successful group really gives you the confidence to take your game to the next level and I'm really excited for next year."
Related content: Hutchison to make his Roosters debut against Panthers
With Cooper Cronk hanging up the boots, there is an opening in the side to partner Luke Keary in the halves - which will see him and Cronulla-Sutherland recruit Kyle Flanagan duke it out for the spot.
"Playing in the halves next year is something I'd definitely like to do, as I loved every chance I got to play there this season," he said.
"But as I spent a lot of time in the back-row with North Sydney, I'm more than happy to play there too - I'm happy to play anywhere in the 17.
"The older you get, the more you just want to be out there playing and I'm willing to play wherever is best for the team."
Related content: Hutchison hopes to find his wings with the Roosters
The Group Seven junior will return to pre-season training with Trent Robinson's side at the end of November, as the Roosters prepare their assault on a third straight premiership.
"Being able to play back-to-back NRL games last season was something I hadn't done before and was really pleasing to achieve - it helped me grow as a player," he said.
"Doing that proved, not just to myself, but to a lot of people that I can play in this competition.
"My goal going into next season is to try and string a couple of more games together and build cohesion with my teammates, as we set out for another successful campaign."
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Courtney Ward
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
