Backs Coach Barry Maddocks has backed maturing Jacob Botica to continue to take his chance to impress in the Guinness PRO14.
Fly half Botica moved to Dragons last summer from RGC 1404, but was forced to bide his time during his first full season at the region.
However, the talented 26-year-old made his league debut in the away clash at Munster last weekend and won praise from Director of Dragons Rugby Dean Ryan.
And now Maddocks has spoken about the way Botica has taken his chance this season.
“Jacob has been very patient,” said Maddocks. “He has come from the Premiership and there is a step up into professional rugby and it has taken him a little bit longer to adjust,
“He has played well for the Under-23s and has shown good maturity in meetings and confidence on the pitch.
“It takes time to adjust to the speed of thought, but he has got better in training and what he has been exposed to.
“When you play at the next level you have to make rapid decisions very quickly and organise people. He has shown some real good glimpse in pre-season so it’s great to see him have his debut.
“It’s about consistency. He still needs to play and we need to be mindful of that.
“Arwel (Robson) has had a good run of games in the Celtic Cup, which is good for him, and Jacob will need that little bit as well. It keeps him fresh and sharp.”
He has played well for the Under-23s and has shown good maturity in meetings and confidence on the pitch...
