Sio Tomkinson is determined to play with a smile on his face to play his best rugby this season – and revealed how he would welcome international honours if he performs for Dragons RFC.
Tomkinson made the switch to the Men of Gwent last summer from Super Rugby and the Highlanders and has quickly become a firm fan favourite.
The tough-tackling and all-action midfield man grabbed his first try playing wing in the narrow defeat to Emirates Lions last weekend.
The 26-year-old – born in Dunedin – now has his sights set on the reigning BKT United Rugby Championship champions the DHL Stormers this Saturday (kick-off 12noon UK).
And Tomkinson has revealed how enjoying the sport has become has receipt for success - and could even result in a call-up.
Tomkinson recently joined club team-mate Aki Seiuli at Old Trafford to support Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup final and harbours hopes he could also play for the country in the future.
“It was good to go support Samoa,” said Tomkinson. “We were unlucky with the result, but it was a great occasion, especially for little island like Samoa to make the final. We got to witness some history.
“I am 100 percent interested (in playing for Samoa). My mum was born there so later down the track I'd like to play for them.
“The World Cup is at the back of my mind to go, but I just want to do well for the Dragons first and obviously try and play consistent footy. Hopefully, international honours come from there.
“To get in the conversation I have got to play consistent. Just make sure that I'm enjoying my footy. When I enjoy my footy that is when I play my best.”
Tomkinson was out on the wing last weekend and showed his finishing skills to collect a cross field kick from Sam Davies after half-time and score to spark comeback hopes.
“I was disappointed by the result,” he said. “We reviewed the game and felt we left a few opportunities out there.
“We should have probably won that game but that’s footy. We'll learn from it and hopefully we can do a good job against the Stormers this week.
“It is a big challenge this weekend and they are defending champs, so for us we have got to match them physically. Hopefully, we will make less errors than them and just back our game and pull the trigger. I’ve played wing a few times,” he added.
“It's not my preferred position, I'd like to be in the midfield, but wingers have gone down in the squad, so I just have to go out there and do my best. It’s team first.
“You have to tinker your game. In the back field you have little defensive reads, are out wider and it’s about connecting more with my centre. It’s challenging at times, but it’s alright.”
Tomkinson has enjoyed his first block with Dragons and is now hunting more success in the second block.
And he admits life in Wales now firmly feels like home.
“The boys are all welcoming,” he said. “We catch up outside of the footy field, which is good, getting the connections outside. The weather is a bit cold now and raining, but that’s alright.
“It was a great first block, getting a few wins and Rodney Parade was just bouncing. It’s great being here in Wales and I'm enjoying my time.”
To get in the conversation I have got to play consistent... Just make sure that I'm enjoying my footy... When I enjoy my footy that is when I play my best.”
