Dan Hollinshead has wanted to play for the Bay of Plenty Steamers since he was a little kid at Te Puke's Fairhaven Primary School.
So when he was selected in the Steamers squad for the 2014 ITM Cup, it was the next step ticked off for the 19-year-old first-five.
He captured the attention of selectors playing for Tauranga Boys' First XV and Chiefs under-19s. Now he finds himself the first-choice No 10 just two games into the ITM Cup, which he says has come as a surprise.
"Yeah it has come around quicker than I thought but I am really excited about the opportunity I have got now. I am trying to make the most of it really and try and secure it," Hollinshead said.
"The first game down in Southland I was real nervous for about the first five minutes and as soon as I got that first goal kick out of the way, I just felt comfortable. I just love running out there in the blue and gold and being part of it."