Dragons youngster Jai Field has done his NRL ambitions no harm after scoring a try with his first touch in the Downer NRL Auckland Nines before following it up with two more stunning tries against the Sea Eagles.
With Drew Hutchison set to miss most of the 2017 Telstra Premiership season with a serious knee injury, Field has firmed as the man most likely to get first crack in the now vacant No.7 jersey.
The 19-year-old is coming off a prolific year in the NYC that saw him score 15 tries, produce 23 line breaks and set up 18 tries from 26 appearances.
While he hasn't spoken in great detail with Dragons coach Paul McGregor about his plans for the role, Field must be the favourite to partner Gareth Widdop in the halves after his explosive start to the Nines.
"[It was my] first game in an NRL sort of team so it was a pretty special first touch," Field said.
"I've just been trying to put my best foot forward at training and do everything I can possible to see if I can get that crack.
"We haven't really sat down to speak about anything like that so far."
In similar circumstances, fellow Holden Cup star Matt Dufty scored an almost-identical try in the Dragons' second game to show why he's been touted as the man who can fix their attack.
The NYC's leading try-scorer sliced through Manly's right-edge defence to get his side on the board inside a minute, before Field touched down on the opposite side of the field to move the Dragons further in front.
Field capped off a sensational afternoon with a scorching solo effort to confirm his status as one of the players to watch in 2017.
