Albion Park-Oak Flats' Drew Hutchison looks to cement halves spot after career-best campaign

That's exactly what Drew Hutchison did with the Sydney Roosters in 2021.

With Luke Keary (ACL) missing the majority of the season, the Albion Park-Oak Flats product was a mainstay in the tri-colours side this season - featuring 20 times and helping the club reach week two of the finals.

"Over the past few weeks, now the dust has settled on the season, I've had time to reflect on what can only be described as a successful season for myself," Hutchison said.

"As soon as there was an opportunity in the halves, Trent Robinson was in my ear saying he knows I have what it takes to lead this side around the park - which was confidence-boosting to hear because I knew personally what I can bring to a side from that position.

Read more: Spreading his wings: Vazzoler signs on as Bega Roosters captain-coach

"To play the way I did towards the back-end of the year was really pleasing and it's something I'm determined to build on in the comings years."

Those 20 appearances in 2021 account for more than half of his total NRL matches (33), which is why Hutchison, who started the season in NSW Cup with North Sydney, believes this campaign proved that he belongs in first grade.

"In my own head, I always thought I was up to the task [of playing in the NRL]," Hutchison said.

"This year though really highlighted to me where I wanted to be playing for footy long-term.

"Admittedly, after I'd hurt my knee, released by the Dragons and had returned from playing in England, there were definitely days where doubt creeps into your mind about if you belong in the NRL - especially as there weren't too many sides wanting to sign me at that time.

"It was a bit of a reality check, as it made me realise I wasn't going as well as I thought.

"I just kept working hard and set myself some goals because I just wanted to keep playing wherever it may be - which makes me all the more grateful for this second chance with the Roosters."

His perception around being good enough for the NRL quickly changed this season, with the Roosters extending the 26-year-old's contract until the end of 2023.

Read more: Fast-growing Phoenix prepare to fly high during upcoming campaign

"It's awesome to have my future secured, because the last few years, I've been signing one-year deals and essentially playing for my career each season," he said.

"Especially to lock myself in for at least another two years at a club like the Roosters, which I just love everything about, fills me with joy."

The former St George Illawarra Dragon, when he returns to pre-season training, hopes to prove he can be the club's long-term answer in the halves.

"When training re-starts, I'll be out to try and cement my spot in the halves," he said.

But if not, he is more than happy as playing at lock or the back-row - just as long as he's in the 17-man squad each week.

"Every pre-season I've done at the Roosters, you're always fighting for a spot, regardless of where it might be on the field," said Hutchison, who was named in the 2021 NRL Academic Team of the Year.

"Like myself though, everyone just wants to be in that 17, which speaks volumes of the culture of the club.

"A lot of that stems from Robbo [Trent Robinson], who no doubt has a plan of how he wants the team to look like in 2022.

Read more: Blattner's Tigers ready to make roaring first grade return

"The first month or two of training is all about getting our bodies right physically but I'm sure during that time I'll have a chat with Robbo and the other staff members about how they want to use me.

"At the end of the day, we all want to be playing first grade and I'm going to do whatever I can do to make that happen."

This off-season looms as Hutchison's busiest to date, with him and his partner Kelsey expecting the arrival of their first child just before Christmas.

"It was obviously hard to be away from Kelsey during the early stages of the pregnancy, as I was in the Queensland bubble," he said.

"Since returning home though, it's been super exciting and we both can't wait for the baby's arrival.

"We're both going into the whole situation with an open mind.

"And now with an extra mouth to feed in the house, I'm more driven than ever to keep improving and hopefully secure my on-field future even further."

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.