For the past two seasons, evolving Sydney Roosters prop Lindsay Collins has been a part of an NRL premiership-winning side without getting the game-day satisfaction.
The 24-year-old was left out of the Roosters’ best 17 on grand final day two years in a row and says getting so close without playing makes him want it more in 2020.
He’s got more in him this season, and should all go to plan, he’ll tick another achievement off his list too.
The young firebrand has played 19 games in the front row this year and has emerged on the radar of Queensland selectors for the three-game series in November.
“I’ve let it creep in my mind a couple of times throughout the year but the last two months I’ve sort of just parked it and just focused on this… what I need to do as a player to be performing every week and staying in the team every week because anything can happen,” he said.
After making his debut in 2017, Collins has progressively played more games every season – including last year’s 14-6 preliminary final win over Melbourne before being left out of the side the following week.
But should the Roosters make it all the way to the grand final for the third season in a row, he’s a better chance now than he ever has been.
“The last two years it’s been awesome to be there for the ride, especially as a young bloke, first sniff of NRL, people don’t come by NRL grand finals too often let alone two, so an opportunity now to go again – I want it,” he said.
Collins has started in five games this year and wears it like a badge of honour, but says he is constantly trying to evolve his game – increase fitness, speed and ball skills.
It’s necessary, he says, to keep up with the rapid evolution of the game itself.
“The front row position is evolving,” he said.
“It’s becoming more than a tough, hard guy.
“A lot more passing and plays. That’s what I want to do as well, take it forward and evolve this new front rower position, but still have that toughness about it.
“It’s a hard position but I wouldn’t pick any other position.”
Over the past few seasons Siosiua Taukeiaho and Jared Wearea-Hargreaves have been the poster boys for adapting to the changing role of a middle forward.
Collins believes emulating their adaptability is key for him to nail down a starting spot.
“Jazza is that brute strength coming at you hard, hit you hard, then you’ve got Siua who can do the same but he’ll add a bit of finesse on it with a step,” he said.
“Even Jazza last week had the opportunity to go up on a fullback.
“It’s those opportunities that are popping up that we shouldn’t be restricted by a position.
“We’ve talked about it a bit, it’s evolving with the game, those who adapt survive.”