NSW Waratahs flyhalf Lawson Creighton is ready to press his case as the regular starter after being named to debut for the club against the Western Force.
Creighton will pull on the sky blue jersey for the first time on Saturday at Allianz Stadium, pushing one-time Wallaby Tane Edmed to the bench.
Watch every match of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand exclusively on Stan Sport.
The 26-year-old was surprised by the nod after a disrupted pre-season thanks to a groin injury, catching Dan McKellar's eye with an impressive showing for the 'A' side against their Brumby counterparts.
“I had an injury coming into this pre-season, so I’ve just been training hard and trying to get myself back in the team," he told reporters.
“When I was told I was starting, I was excited. It’s been a good week of training with the boys, so I’m heading into the weekend confident.”
Creighton played 35 games for the Reds in four seasons before deciding to head to the other side of the Tweed, even though no coach had been formally announced.
"I just felt the excitement in what was coming," he said about his motivation to move south.
"You could see what was starting to happen and boys coming here. That just excited me, and I felt like the Waratahs were coming to me and really valued me. I think that was what this tipping point to come down here."
The competition at the Waratahs at flyhalf is immense, with Creighton also beating out former Junior Wallabies standout Jack Bowen for the starting gig.
“There’s competition in a lot of positions across the team, which is great,” he said.
“For me, this is my first Super Rugby start in a while, so I just want to keep it simple, trust myself, and do my job.
“If the other 14 guys do the same, we’ll be in for a good performance.”
Creighton's focus remains on maintaining the Waratahs' perfect start to the season, but he knows a good performance will most likely keep him in the side to face his old teammates next week at Suncorp Stadium.
The Brothers product has strong bonds with the likes of Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight and Tate McDermott and lit up at the thought of facing them for his new team.
"Obviously, got very fond memories of Queensland and a lot of good mates there, but the thought of going back to Suncorp would be very exciting," Creighton added.
"I think it would be one that I definitely would want to play if I get the opportunity. Going up against your mates, Queensland and New South Wales, there's nothing better than that."
