Drew Hutchinson, since joining the Sydney Roosters at the start of 2020, has yo-yoed between first grade and NSW Cup.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hutchinson, at the start the 2021 campaign was with the Roosters' feeder club, the North Sydney Bears.
However, since round two, the Albion Park-Oak Flats product has featured in all but five games for the Roosters - with him missing those through rib cartilage damage and a punctured lung.
The five-eighth, since his return in round 16, has helped the club, which also features Kiama's Josh Morris, win five of their past six encounters.
"I've really been loving my footy the past few weeks since returning from injury and a lot of that enjoyment has to do with playing Sammy [Walker]," said Hutchison, who admits his physical conditioning is improving with each passing week.
"I've always been one to try and play better than I did the week before and I've been able to do that next to a talented half like Sam and behind an unreal forward pack like we do.
"On top of that, some of the individual performances from our backs like Teddy [James Tedesco], Joey [Manu] and Toups [Daniel Tupou] have been extremely special to witness first hand and I definitely don't take it for granted that I'm part of this proud club.
"Obviously winning helps you enjoy the game but, as a group, we are all playing an exciting brand of footy, that we're all proud of and is exactly how the coaches want us to."
That style has seen Hutchison's side rattle off four straight matches - a record they'll put to the test against the second-placed Panthers on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium.
"The Panthers are at the top of the table for a reason and they've been one of the most consistent clubs for the past three seasons," the 26-year-old said.
"Although they have some players out this week, we are preparing as if they were at full-strength because we definitely can't take them lightly."
With five rounds to go until finals, a win for the fifth-placed tri-colours would go a long way to keeping their top-four dreams alive.
"Every game we play is vital for our position at the end of the season and these are the matches you want to be involved in as a footballer," he said.
"Playing against a top-four side and testing ourselves is a challenge all the boys are looking forward to.
"From my perspective, I really feel I found my niche in the side and am helping contribute to on-field success.
"A lot of that stems from Robbo [Trent Robinson], who demands perfection every time you step on the field - the intensity we train at is a big reason why we play the way we do each week."
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.