By Rachael Price
St George Illawarra Dragons centre Charly Runciman is hopeful for an opportunity to be part of the upcoming Auckland Nines tournament to be held at Eden Park, Auckland at the end of the month.
The NSW Blues U20 representative confessed he is working extremely hard at pre-season training with the goal of broadening his playing skill by testing himself in different positions across the backline.
The 21-year-old feels that he is yet to cement a permanent place in the first-grade side but is hoping to achieve that goal during the 2015 season.
“We’re not sure whether we are going to be a part of the Auckland Nines just yet but it would be a great experience,” said Runciman.
“It’s good for us to play in other places and rally the fans but we’ll just have to wait and see what team Mary picks.
“It’s been good out training out on the field; I’ve been playing a few different positions and making sure I can play everywhere.
“I like to think that I’m well prepared for any position that Mary would want me to play.
“I set goals every year and one of my goals is to play consistent first-grade football, it’s really important for me to cement a place in the side this year.
“I want to make sure that I’m going to be good enough to make the first-grade team, so I just need to keep training to my high standards and the good things will follow.
“I get along really well with Dane Nielsen; we spend a fair bit of time together on that left edge.”
