Curtis Sironen is on a mission to play Wests Tigers star Benji Marshall out of his No.6 jersey, saying he isn't content with being a stopgap solution.
Gun teenager Sironen will run out at pivot for the second straight game against Brisbane on Saturday, with Marshall (toe) still sidelined by injury.
With veteran Braith Anasta (groin) also unavailable, Tim Moltzen has been switched to halfback with talented youngster James Tedesco slipping into his No.1 jersey.
But Sironen isn't content with a temporary place in coach Mick Potter's revamped side - with Marshall and Anasta expected to be sidelined for at least the next fortnight.
"I'm not just here to hang around till they come back," Sironen said on Wednesday.
"I'm looking to cement a spot - be it in the halves or wherever Mick wants to play me.
"I'll put my hand up again.
"Realistically, I have to try and play them out of position.
"There's a lot of competition for spots in the halves here, which is good. It makes you have to perform every week.
"I'm happy to be playing in the No.6, it's where I feel most comfortable at the moment."
Sironen, the son of former Balmain Tigers great Paul Sironen, was riding high after an impressive performance in last round's 13-12 loss to St George Illawarra - his first NRL match this year following shoulder surgery.
"I took a bit of confidence out of the Dragons game, even though we got pipped at the post there," he said.
"I got an early touch, a few early runs and poked my head through a few times.
"I'm more of a ball-runner so just getting my hands on the ball and getting tackled early gives me confidence throughout the rest of the game.
"I'll be looking to do that again."
Moltzen said he was looking forward to working with Sironen in the halves, with Potter keen for the pair to be vocal in steering the team around the park.
While the 24-year-old said he would prefer to stay at halfback, he was just out to command a spot in the team.
"I came to the club as halfback and I've sort of been thrust in and out of the position for a few years now," he said.
"If Teddy does a great job there (at fullback) for us and I'm going alright at halfback then hopefully not too much has to change.
"We'll just take it as it comes and hopefully I can keep a spot in the team."
