You'd never have guessed it was Patrick Herbert's first game at fullback.
Last weekend, when the Dragons flyer took up the custodian role for the first time in senior Rugby League, he instantly looked like a seasoned veteran; with 223 metres, three try-asissts and a try, Herbert was the key man in the Dragons' big win over the Western Suburbs Magpies.
"I just got put into fullback (last week), so I had a week to prepare and really happy with where I'm at at the moment," Herbert told NSWRL.com.au after Saturday's 21-20 victory over the Bulldogs.
"I sort of played juniors there, but junior footy is not the same as this level.
"I'm new, but getting used to it. The biggest thing for me is probably fitness. There's a lot more running; you're running side to side all day and I just need to get more fit."
The switch came as regular No.1 Jai Field was moved to five-eighth – and in Field having a much more prominent role in Saturday's win, the reshuffle appears to have paid off.
"'Fieldy' can play anywhere. He's one of those players that can just slot in and do as you ask – he's really good.
"A win's a win and especially in that sort of manner, to come from 16 points down and win by one point, it's outstanding."
After a mini-slump of three losses in four games, the Dragons appear to be back to their winning ways, with influential halfback Darren Nicholls also now back from injury. Their recent improvement will be tested next weekend when they face the Warriors, whom they lost to in Auckland just three weeks ago.
They'll face the New Zealand-based side in the Intrust Super Premiership's Magic Round, from 1pm next Saturday at Henson Park.
