Rob Horne isn’t fretting over a possible challenge from Kurtley Beale for the NSW Waratahs No.12 jersey as coach Michael Cheika keeps his players guessing.
Horne spent most of last season at inside centre after previously playing primarily at outside centre for the Waratahs and Wallabies.
He started in the No.12 jersey in last week’s trial against the Blues, but prize recruit Beale got a run there in the second half, while also contending for the five-eighth and fullback spots.
“Everyone brings their different personality into their position and it depends on what type ‘Cheik’ wants to go with and the chemistry that he feels best suits the team we’re about to play,” said Horne.
Horne feels comfortable in both centre positions and such flexibility is a valuable commodity for players with so much depth and competition among the Waratahs backline stocks.
With one trial remaining against the Highlanders this week, Horne says he has no idea whether will be a starter for the Waratahs opening Super Rugby clash with the Force on February 23.
“No one really knows and it’s good, because everyone is on there toes and everyone is pushing each other,” Horne said.
Injury-prone Horne, who played just one Test last year off the bench, said he was fit after training since October.
He said he was also feeling confident and determined to extract every bit of potential from himself in a career that has so far gleaned 15 Test caps.
‘I’m not old – 24 – by any means, but I certainly feel like for whatever reason, I do have a clear purpose and there’s not really any grey area for me,” Horne said.
“I know what I have to do and I know what’s expected of me.”
In 2013, he only signed a new one-year deal with NSW and Australian rugby.
“I re-signed to NSW for one year to feel like I could get absolutely everything out of myself and really continue to grow as a player and as a person,” Horne said.
The Waratahs will be in action against the Highlanders this Friday night in Newcastle, as part of the Hunter’s month of sporting madness. Find out all the details here.
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