HE may have missed out on a spot in the St George-Illawarra squad for the Auckland Nines but Dubbo's Charly Runciman is still hoping for a big year in red and white.
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The Dragons' squad for next week's Nines tournament was announced on Wednesday night and while the St John's export missed out, he did gain selection for a side which will take on the Mackay Cutters in a pre-season trial.
The 21-year-old told the club's website he had a chance to get back to Dubbo during the Christmas break and see family and friends but since then he had been hard at work training.
"It's been good in the pre-season. I've been playing a few positions, centre and wing and anywhere in the outside backs. I've been covering a few spots and making sure I can play anywhere when the season starts," he said.
"I'd like to think I'm pretty well prepared for anywhere that Mary (coach Paul McGregor) wants me to play and I get thrown into."
That versatility seems to be working already with Runciman, predominately a centre during his time so far at the club, named on the wing for the Mackay trial.
The match against the Cutters will be played next week as well and the team has a strong mix of experience and youth with Runciman alongside the likes of fellow first-graders Gareth Widdop, Trent Merrin and George Rose.
After making his first grade debut in 2013 and making frequent appearances last season, Runciman's aim for 2015 is to cement himself a role in the side.
"I set goals every year and one of the main goals I set is to play consistent first grade and play most of the year. That's something I'm looking forward to and trying to do this year, especially being a couple of years into first grade," the junior said.
"I really need to cement my spot in the team and become a regular first grader."
"I've got a pretty high standard for myself to try and make sure I'm going to be good enough to make the first grade team and I just have to always keep those high standards and good things will come."
The Dragons are hoping they will be a semi-final force this year and have a handful of new recruits on board to help them improve. Runciman said he found the new additions good to get along with and in Dane Neilson he had found a close friend.
"Dane Neilson hasn't been here that long but I get along great with him and we spend a fair bit of time on the left edge together," he said.
The Dragons take on the Mackay Cutters next Saturday at Mackay.
