Back row Huw Taylor has vowed to keep grafting and doing the dirty work to take his chance at Dragons.
Taylor, 23, started the opening Guinness PRO14 game of the season at Munster and has been praised by new boss Dean Ryan for his attitude and application to date.
And the former Worcester man will now hope to be involved as Dragons tackle Zebre in Italy today (kick-off 5pm UK time).
“We talk about having moment players and then those that work for the team. I try and fit in that category, hit the rucks and do the dirty work,” said the Bridgnorth-born forward.
“I like to think I can carry and make some decent shots, but the point of difference is trying to outwork everyone else.
“One area where we are definitely strong is the back row,” smiled Taylor.
“We have the likes of Ollie Griffiths, Harrison Keddie, Lewis Evans, Taine Basham plus loads of young lads so it is tough.
“I’m trying to get my involvements high and really drive that line speed in defence.
“Simon Cross (Defence Coach) has talked to me as if that is one of my strong points, getting off the line and making that chop tackle early. The second man then making an impact on the attacker.”
Taylor is now looking to build on a solid first season at Rodney Parade with more starting spots.
“It was nice to be involved a bit more here,” admitted Taylor.
“At Worcester I was on the fringes getting a look in every now and then. Here I have been in the squads and hopefully this year I get more starts.”
And Taylor knows there is no better place to impress than in Parma this weekend as Dragons look to end the long wait for an away league win.
”We’re really looking forward to getting out there. It’s going to be nice weather go hopefully we can play fast and play our game,” he said.
“I’m sure they will target the game, but we are going in fresh and we back ourselves against anyone.
“The Scarlets game, for example, we managed to keep hold of possession and play in the right areas.
“That worked for us and if we can get the set piece and fast game right then there is no reasons why we can’t win in Italy.
“We are trying to keep hold of the ball, keep it simple and pay fast,” he added.
“That is what we decided as a group we wanted to do, that would be our point of difference, and it has been a really enjoyable season so far.”
I like to think I can carry and make some decent shots... but the point of difference is trying to outwork everyone else...
