Throughout the 2021 NRL season, Adam Clune has become St George Illawarra's Mr Utility.
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The Albion Park-Oak Flats product has spent time at five-eighth, hooker and most recently halfback, during his nine appearances this season.
The latter, which he's taken ownership of since Ben Hunt's injury, is his preferred position, giving him extra incentive to play strongly.
"First and foremost, I want to be in the 17 each week," Clune, who wore the seven jersey for the first time since round six last Friday, said.
"There's obviously been a couple of weeks where I've played different roles, such as nine off the bench, which was a unique experience for me, which I tried to use to better my game.
"I'm stoked to be back in the seven jersey, which is my natural position.
"Obviously this chance has come off the back of disappointing circumstances for Ben, who's been playing some great footy himself.
"But rugby league is all about opportunities and I'm really excited to get another chance to play halfback this week."
The 26-year-old started at seven in the side's loss to Canberra last round and has again been named there for Saturday's fixture with Penrith.
"Our first half last week was really positive and we really put it to the Raiders," said Clune, who admits the club's issues over the last month haven't been an ideal preparation going into vital NRL games but they've taken it in their stride and dealt with it.
"But in the second, not making them work for their tries was disappointing, especially the ones off kicks - we really shot ourselves in the foot with those seven errors coming out of our own end.
"We couldn't build any pressure which was super frustrating, as the game was there for the taking and we just couldn't get it done."
The Junee Diesels junior also dismissed the idea this is an audition for him to solidify his hopes as Ben Hunt's halves partner in 2022, with Corey Norman leaving at the end of the season.
"This is obviously a great opportunity for me to put my best foot forward and show the coaches what I can do but next year isn't really my focus," he said.
"I'm just happy to be back playing in the halves and concentrating on this week rather than looking too far ahead.
"If I can contribute on the park and we can start winning, that will go a long way to helping my standing in the coaches' eyes."
There'd be no better stamp of approval for Clune in 2022 than if he could help the Red V secure a semi-final spot - helped by the fact all players have served their suspensions for Paul Vaughan's barbecue and are available to play.
"That must-win final approach was how we went into last week and it'll be no different this Friday," he said.
"Finals are now one week closer and we're in a big fight for one of those remaining spots.
"Our mentality isn't to get too far ahead of ourselves, rather just worry about who's in front of us each game - starting with one of the biggest challenges in rugby league at the moment in Penrith.
"Despite all our challenges lately, there's a really good vibe around the club and I'm sure that'll help us overcome any adversity we face over the next few rounds."
When the Group Seven talent wasn't playing in the NRL this season, he was plying his trade with the club's NSW Cup side - whose season was cancelled on Tuesday due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
"It's an incredibly frustrating situation for everyone," he said.
"I've been lucky to play a fair few first grade games this season, especially up here in the Queensland hub which has been positive but that's not the case for those players on the fringes.
"I know firsthand how hard those part-time boys have been training since the pre-season and to have their year cut short, after what happened last season, really hurts.
"I've chatted to a couple of the guys since the decision was made and they're devastated.
"Hopefully, this is the last of it and next year is an opportunity for them to play out the competition and get a full slate of matches in."
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