Speedster Jared Rosser is relishing the challenge of playing at centre for the Dragons ahead of the A game against a Scarlets Development XV at Rodney Parade on Friday (kick-off 6pm).
Rosser has made 55 appearances in a Dragons jersey scoring 20 tries but with the majority of his appearances coming on the wing for the region.
The 23-year-old is excited at the prospect of running out in the thirteen jersey this week after just the one appearance so far this season in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
Rosser admits the role is different to playing out wide but is enjoying learning off the more experienced members of the Dragons backline and is hoping for success in a potentially new found role.
“I’m really enjoying it to be honest, it’s another challenge and it’s an exciting time for me,” said the Dragons Academy graduate.
“I sort of just filled in last year when we had numbers down at centre, I enjoyed my time there in training, so I spoke to the coaches about learning the role especially defensively, but I am really relishing the challenge.
“It is different (to wing), defensively a lot of teams target that 13 channel in attack especially with their back moves, so there probably is a big target on your head when you haven’t played there much and haven’t got that much experience there.”
He continued: “But I have been enjoying learning off the boys, Adam Warren has been really good with me, Jamie Roberts and Jack Dixon as well.
“Jack has also moved into the 13 role this season, so I have been picking their brains a lot and there is a lot of experience around the environment to learn from so it’s exciting.
“I’m happy to play wherever Dean needs me to play but I think if I was going to pick a position at the moment, I’d say I’m really enjoying 13 so hopefully I can get more game time there and show the coaches that it is something I can do and be successful at.”
Rosser has a potential opportunity to do just that this Friday when Dragons A take on a Scarlets Development XV in a friendly clash at Rodney Parade to continue their preparation for the return of URC action at the end of the month.
Both sides met at the beginning of last season in a similar fixture, one that Rosser was involved in.
The visitors travelled with a strong side to Rodney Parade and eventually run out winners in an entertaining contest.
Rosser admits he’s expecting a similar challenge from the Llanelli based side but is excited to secure more minutes under his belt and hopefully kickstart his season.
While the former Ebbw Vale and Bedwas flyer insists it’s an opportunity for himself and others to put their hands up for selection ahead of the URC Scottish double header.
“I’m expecting a really tough game, we played their Development XV in a similar fixture at the start of last season and that was just as tough and as big a challenge as some of the league games with the team they travelled with to Newport,” said Rosser.
“They brought over the likes of Johnny McNicholl, Rob Evans and players of that calibre so it’s by no means a nothing game, it’s going to be up there in terms of intensity and physicality as any other.”
He continued “It’s definitely a chance to put your hand up, because if you have a good game then you give the coaches something to think about.
“I know a lot of the boys like myself who haven’t played a lot this year are just happy to get some game time and hopefully can just sort of keep that momentum going then into the run of league and European fixtures coming up.
“I am just excited to get out on the field, I have enjoyed being at 13 and it fits a couple of my strengths, so I just want to try and have a good go at it and hopefully I can keep getting games there going forward.”
I'm really enjoying it to be honest... it’s another challenge and it’s an exciting time for me...
