Aaron Booth has declared he doesn't want to just be considered as a gap filler, hoping to become the long-term No. 9 for the Gold Coast Titans.
As he prepares for his third match in the sky blue and gold, it's been a long journey for the 26-year-old, facing injury and being behind two established hookers when at Melbourne to fulfil his NRL dream; but now upon getting his chance to shine in the Gold Coast lineup since relocating back to his home region, the Mullumbimby junior wants to show coach Justin Holbrook he can be the experienced hooker the Titans coach is looking for.
"My headspace isn't that I'm just filling a role. It's my role now and I want to take that into the next six weeks, and then definitely into next year obviously," Booth said.
"We've got Kieran (Foran) coming to the club, who has been there and done that in all parts of the game - in representative and at NRL level, winning premierships and everything, so there's a lot of experience there and AJ has got experience as well.
"I'm a little bit older than the other boys as well. I've taken a different route to be playing here, but I've played a lot of footy in my time so I consider myself fairly experienced.
"It's not a case for me of just filling the role. I definitely feel like I can contribute to the team and help turn around what's been a disappointing year and finish the year strong.
"Going on into next year, I'd like to make that spot my own."
Being able to play week-in, week-out footy, the talented rake has been able to settle into his new role in the team and has relished the opportunity to build combinations with his teammates - including a classy try assist for Toby Sexton to score first points at the weekend.
"I felt pretty settled in game one to be honest. It was good to know for a couple of weeks leading into that Broncos game," Booth said.
"I had obviously been with the team all year and then had two weeks of full training in that spot.
"After a couple of weeks, I'm feeling really comfortable and getting used to being out there with the boys.
"Obviously we didn't get the wins, but we haven't been too far off the mark, so it is feeling good and I feel like I've settled in well.
"I'm looking forward to another chance to get a win this week."
Match: Titans v Raiders
Round 20 -
home Team
Titans
16th Position
away Team
Raiders
9th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
But despite feeling content in the starting lineup, Booth isn't taking the opportunity for granted, continually working hard to cement his spot and continually taking advice from his coach to get better and better.
"He hasn't told me that's it's my spot for the next six weeks, but we've definitely been having conversations and I feel like if I keep contributing the way I have been and the team goes well, then I don't see why changes need to be made," Booth said.
"Erin's playing really good at lock which helps me probably keep my position now, but obviously JC (Jayden Campbell) is back fit, so what they do with Tanah (Boyd) and maybe sharing the role with me at No. 9... I'm not sure.
"But I think for the next little period, it's mine to run with and do what I can with it."
Booth will take the field for his ninth NRL game against the Canberra Raiders at 3pm on Saturday at Cbus Super Stadium.
