Half chance: Hutchison finally gets first shot at No.7 jersey

Bulldogs journeyman Drew Hutchinson has backed himself to become the team's chief playmaker in order to free up halves partner Matt Burton.

Hutchison made his NRL debut in 2015 and has played 75 top grade games for the Dragons and the Roosters, but the 28-year-old has never previously started the season as a first-choice halfback.

In fact, Hutchison has played more matches at centre, hooker and five-eighth than he has in the position he was chosen in the NRL's 2014 U20’s Team of the Year, alongside Addin Fonua-Blake, Val Holmes, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Te Maire Martin and Joseph Tapine.

However, after claiming the No.7 jersey for Saturday's Round 1 clash with Parramatta, he aims to ease the ball-playing pressure on Burton in a bid to boost Canterbury's attack in 2024.

“I think everyone can see the attributes he [Burton] has and it’s exciting," Hutchison said.

"Our combination will grow just through conversations with each other and understanding how we like the ball, and how each other plays.

“We’ve all seen his long-kicking game, and [again] I’m happy to let him completely take control of that and the benefit it will have on our side.

"He's such an athlete and a good sort of presence, and that's the role he is going to be playing; taking those opportunities when he sees it.”

By pairing Burton with Hutchison, Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has opted for the halves combination favoured by most NRL clubs - a running five-eighth and a ball-dominant halfback to head into the 2024 season.

The Bulldogs were unsettled in the halfback position last year, with Kyle Flanagan and Toby Sexton taking turns throughout the season as Ciraldo searched for the right player to partner Burton.

After five seasons at the Roosters and two with the Dragons, as well as a stint in England with Leigh, Hutchinson has made the switch to Belmore in order to play consistently in the chief playmaker role.

“I can’t shy away from that, that’s the main reason why I came to the club, to be in a position to put my best foot forward and play Round 1," he said. "I feel like it’s that time in my career.

"I feel like I’ve got the tools available to succeed there, it’s a challenge for me but I’m really looking forward to it.”

With an abundance of new recruits moving to the Bulldogs in the off-season, Hutchison is excited that competition for spine positions will bring the best out of the team.

“I have a certain set of strengths and that’s how I play, and what I can add to this team," he said.

"That's the main thing I've been working on in the off-season, and the little things around combinations and the players that are here."