Newcastle Knights co-captain Jamie Buhrer knows as well as anyone that versatility on a rugby league field can be a blessing or a curse.
Buhrer has had to deal with the uncertainty of not knowing which position he would play in the 2018 Telstra Premiership season.
While the utility forward played most of his junior career at hooker and started his career with the Manly Sea Eagles in that position, he has learnt to play in the back-row and even at five-eighth.
Buhrer admits it has been difficult to fill several different positions across the park.
''At stages I suppose,'' Buhrer said.
''At the end of the day, if that's the role I am going to fulfil in the team then it's important that I nail down those number of positions and play them well.
''I am certainly working hard to make sure whatever situation that I do find myself in that I am best prepared for it.''
Knights coach Nathan Brown has tinkered with his side each round in the search for a consistent winning recipe.
Due to a high demand on positions, New Zealand international Danny Levi has been dropped to reserve grade as his teammates get set to tackle the Wests Tigers at Scully Park in Tamworth on Saturday.
Buhrer says Levi's demotion highlights the competition for spots and that no-one is safe.
''We just want to make sure we're winning games this year and not just here to compete,'' Buhrer said.
''With the competition we have within the team, no one is really safe.
''All the best teams have that competition who are up the top and have had plenty of changes with a very deep squad, and we're no different. So I feel that's a key to move forward.''
Booming forward Jacob Saifiti has made a personal goal this season to secure a starting position.
''If it was up to me then I would love that,'' Saifiti said.
''If the best role for me is to come off the bench and to bring some impact that's what I'll do. But yeah, that's the one thing that I am looking forward to this year.''
