What a ride the last twelve months has been for Drew Hutchison.
Since joining the Roosters in 2019, Hutchison has been as consistent as he's been reliable whenever called on by Head Coach Trent Robinson.
Then came the ultimate challenge.
Not just the prospect of a full season, owning the side and controlling the game, but the task of guiding the Club deep into September despite the tremendous adversity it faced throughout 2021.
Without any fuss, he did just that. It's the kind of player Hutchison is.
Roosters Radio Episode 119 - Drew Hutchison
Fast forward to the 2022 pre-season, and Robinson again presented his man with another huge task - becoming a no.9.
Despite coming off a year where he played almost every game in his preferred position in the halves, Hutchison jumped at the chance.
"It was an opportunity that Robbo came to me with, and obviously whenever the big man comes to you and wants you to play a different position, you throw yourself at it," Hutchison told the Roosters Radio Podcast.
"It's obviously a role I want to keep improving on so I can add more value to this team."
After starting off the bench in Round 1, Hutchison was promoted to the starting line up for the following games against Manly and South Sydney.
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It was against Manly where Hutchison picked up the first try of the game and kicked a masterful 40/20 late in the contest.
It was a performance that proved the 26-year-old is just as comfortable in the middle of the park as he is on the edges.
"I really enjoyed it (playing in the middle)," he said.
"It really simplified my role. Not to mention, some of the players I'm passing the ball to are the best in the world.
"I just try and listen to their voices and bring some intensity into my defence.
"It's definitely something I want to continue building on."
1-13, you're playing footy out there. It's the same game, it's the same sized ball and you're playing against 13 other blokes. I just don't want to let anyone down.
Drew Hutchison Roosters Radio Podcast
What can't be overlooked is the skill required to simply drop into a position as specialised as dummy-half.
Everything from fitness to both defensive and passing technique become ultra-scrutinised.
"The body was a bit sore, but this week I've definitely been working on the kinds of techniques dummy-halves have and it's definitely a specialised position," Hutchison said.
"It's something I'm trying to learn and improve each week.
"Different blokes want the ball in different ways, so it's about working that out and talking to your mates about exactly how they want you to play."
Hutchison Opens the Scoring
While some may be surprised by how quickly he's settled into such a new role, those close to Hutchison have come to expect this kind of consistency from the Oak Flat Eagles junior.
But what about the man himself?
"I wouldn't say I've surprised myself, it's just one of those things," he said.
"From one to thirteen, you're playing footy out there. It's the same game, it's the same sized ball and you're playing against thirteen other blokes.
"I just don't want to let anyone down. I just want to be there and help the team out however I can.
"When you have that sort of trust (from the team), it's a cool thing to have."
