Canberra Raiders winger Albert Hopoate came in as Jordan Rapana's replacement, but the youngster is making it his mission not to relinquish his spot even when the veteran is clear to return from suspension.
This weekend's game against the Newcastle Knights is the last that Rapana will be forced to sit out after a shoulder charge in the season-opener earned the 33-year-old a three-week ban.
That makes Sunday's visit to the Hunter an important one for Hopoate as he tries to convince Raiders coach Ricky Stuart that he's worth sticking with on the left wing over Rapana.