It’s been some start to the season for Brodie Coghlan.
Before this season, Coghlan had a grand total of four starts for the club with the 23-year-old a regular off the replacements bench.
However, this season has seen Coghlan more than doubled his number of starts and the combative hooker's string of impressive performances have lead many to tip him for a Wales call-up.
“I’m really happy on a personal level with how the season has gone and I’ve had some good feedback,” said Coghlan.
“But the biggest thing is I just want to be playing and the amount of games I’ve had is probably more than I expected.
“I’m just really grateful to be given the opportunity and I’ve loved every minute of it. Hopefully now I can go on and get more minutes.”
If selected, Coghlan’s first task will be to help his Dragons side overturn the weight of history as they take on Cardiff at the Arms Park, somewhere they haven’t won since 2014.
Coghlan will likely come up against Wales international Evan Lloyd or Efan Daniel who was called up for the Wales summer tour to Australia.
“I’m absolutely buzzing,” said Coghlan. “I’ve never played there before for Dragons seniors, last time I played there was for under 18s and I can’t wait I’m really excited.
“With Under 18s we had a hell of a run, going eight from eight. Matt O’Brien and Sam Hobbs were our coaches as well and it was an unreal experience with great memories.
“I’m really looking forward to going up against the likes of Evan Lloyd and Efan Daniel and prove a point and give my best performance.
“It’s a massive block now, we’ve thought about what we want to get out of it. It’s a massive opportunity and hopefully now we can kick on and get a few more wins for ourselves and the fans.”
Coghlan’s place in the starting jersey has come during Elliot Dee’s absence with injury, although the Wales international’s experience has been a consistent help to Brodie’s development.
“Elliot and James Benjamin are both great people and so helpful to me given me a lot of advice,” said Coghlan.
“Bradley Roberts last season was really friendly to me and helped me a lot and they’ve always been prepared to help me get better for the future.”
As a Newport native, Coghlan is no stranger to the Rodney Parade faithful and is hoping as many make the short journey down the M4 as possible for Saturday’s game.
“The fans are unreal to be honest,” said Coghlan. “All you want to do is play well in front of them, it’s what drives you in a game to impress them and play well.
“Hopefully they’ll all come down on Saturday and it’ll be a great atmosphere down there.”
I’m really looking forward to going up against the likes of Evan Lloyd and Efan Daniel and prove a point and give my best performance...
