Jacob Botica is determined to prove his worth in the second half of this season – and start by helping fire Dragons into the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals tonight (kick-off 8pm).
Botica will be among the replacements this evening at Rodney Parade as he looks to build on a season where he has already made 12 appearances. This
The 26-year-old has had to bide his time since arriving at Dragons before last season since from RGC 1404.
However, his attitude to impress and injuries have helped open the door for the son of All Blacks legend Frano and after starting last week against Castres he is now keen to kick on.
"I have just been grinding away in training, working on what I need to do to get in that team," said Botica.
"Working with Barry (Maddocks) and Dean (Ryan) has been good this year and it's certainly helped being able to learn off Sam Davies and his experiences.
“This year Dean has come in and has put a game out there that suits the way that I play. He is confident in me and that has given me a lift in training, so hopefully I can put that on the field.
"I want to prove that I can play with the best out there and hopefully I will get that shot in the coming months."
Botica is normally a fly half but has made the switch to the 15 jersey in recent weeks and revealed it is not his first time playing full back.
"One season in France I swapped a bit to full-back but my main position is 10 and I want to pursue that, but playing 15 opens up the field a bit more.
"It's a good challenge and if Dean and Barry want me there then I will put everything into it.
"As a 10 we are normally back there a bit under high balls, so it wasn't too different.
“It's a new position but I am loving it and it's another string to add to my bow.”
Can Dragons make the knockout stages in Europe? Find out when we face Enisei-STM in the final pool game of the European Challenge Cup at Rodney Parade tonight (kick-off 8pm). Click HERE to buy tickets or call the Ticket Office on 01633 674990.
“This year Dean has come in and has put a game out there that suits the way that I play... He is confident in me and that has given me a lift...
