Ethan Strange admits he had his heart in his mouth when he was placed on report on the eve of round one - now the rising star is desperate to make the Canberra Raiders' No.6 jersey his own.
The 19-year-old has been locked in a pre-season battle with Kaeo Weekes as Raiders coach Ricky Stuart looks for a new five-eighth to partner Jamal Fogarty in the halves.
A stellar showing at Seiffert Oval may have put Strange in the box seat to face the Newcastle Knights in round one - but there was a moment he feared his dream could fall flat.