NZ Warriors utility Hayze Perham is relishing his time in the starting side, even though he's playing out of his natural position.
Perham is one of the most talented players in the Warriors system, but a logjam of outside backs and halves means opportunities have been limited, since making his debut against Melbourne Storm last year, with both his 2019 appearances coming off the bench.
This year, Perham has started four games in the centres, including the last three, and he's set to make another appearance there in Sunday's must-win clash against Cronulla Sharks.
While centre is not Perham's preferred position, the Taupō 21-year-old is enjoying his time in the Warriors starting side and is trying to make the most of his opportunity.
"I come into every week eager to try to fight for a position in the team," he says. "Every week I'm wondering if I'll retain my spot, so to see my name on the team sheet energises me.
"Getting chosen week after week is a confidence-builder. It says I'm doing alright out there and doing my job.
"I had a couple of games [at centre] in the NSW Cup, but I like to think of myself being as versatile as I can be, so I can slot into anywhere I'm needed."
The Warriors are in must-win mode for the remainder of the season and a loss to the Sharks will end their hopes of finishing inside the top eight and competing for the NRL title.
A win means they'd close the gap on the Sharks to two points with two games remaining.
Less than two months ago, they lost 46-10 to Cronulla, a performance interim coach Todd Payten described as their worst of the season.
"All the boys know that, from here on, it is a must-win situation," says Perham. "The boys know the situation we're in, so we're willing to put everything in.
"My hopes are to help the team into the eight and it comes with my performing to the best of my ability. Hopefully, all those things intertwine with each other and good things from that."
Warriors forward Isaiah Papalii is determined to write the wrongs from their previous humiliating defeat.
"We want to redeem ourselves from our last game against the Sharks," he says. "The boys are more excited for the challenge against a side that beat us last time.
"They're very skilful as a team and we took our learnings from it. We were building towards something as a team under 'Toddy'.
"Any loss isn't a good one, but we started to understand the way each other defended and started to click from that game on."
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