Dylan Pietsch admits he had no other thoughts about leaving the NSW Waratahs, signing a two-year deal.
Home is a common theme for Pietsch, committing to his Rugby home for another two years after signing an extension to stay in the sky blue until the end of the 2025 season.
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It reflects his remarkable rise over the past 12 months, having entered 2022 with limited 15s experience, restricted to a handful of games per season due to Sevens' commitment.
It's those Sevens instincts that have allowed the 24-year-old to standout with his impressive work with and without the ball whilst possessing a knack to bounce out of tackles and stay on his feet.
With a full season and a stint with Australia A under his belt, Pietsch feels like this is just the beginning.
“There wasn’t much of a thought process, I always wanted to stay here,” Pietsch said.
“I enjoy being in NSW and I still have a lot of growing to do under the new coaching staff here that’s going to progress me more.
“I think I’ve grown as a player even through this pre-season, knowing what I’m doing with it being the first year on the wing and in the backs.
“I’m looking to express who I am on the field and be a bit more comfortable.”
Pietsch spoke to the media less than 24 hours before Pietsch returns to Wiradjuri land in Griffith,
The timing comes at the perfect time for Pietsch, preparing to play at home for the first time in nearly a decade on Saturday despite it being technically a Brumbies home game.
Pietsch has been very open about the process of reconnection with his culture and the toll the isolation had on him mentally.
Despite the memories of his last game in the area being less than ideal ("Wasn’t the best, we had an all-in brawl. I wasn’t a part of it"), the former Leeton Phantom was relishing the opportunity regardless of the result.
“It’s the first time in 11 years I’m able to play back in Wiradjuri Country which is pretty cool,” Pietsch reflects.
“My whole family is going to be there which is going to be extra special. It’ll be nice to be in that environment. It’s where you grow up and I have a different type of self there when I’m there.
“It’s really good to go there and reflect. Hopefully, we can get the win but also to see my family and be one with mother on country.
“I’ve got a real love for that area. Dad used to travel so far basically every day to take me to trainings and games so it’s going to be really cool to be there.”
Pietsch will line up on the wing alongside new recruit Nemani Nadolo, with teenage sensation Max Jorgensen set to play fullback for the first half.
After a long pre-season, the Randwick product is excited to see how far the squad has come on since 12 months ago when they were still finding their feet as a winless side.
“It’s going to be cool. You’re going to see some young guys come through like Max Jorgensen, it’s so good to see a young guy like him going about his business so professionally," he added.
“I think our prep has been really good. I think we’re in a lot better state than where we were last year so it’s going to really good to see how we progress.”
