Corey Domachowski refuses to get carried away by his recent plaudits, as the academy product remains fully focused on continuing his development in Cardiff Blues colours.
This season has seen the loosehead prop establishing himself in the Cardiff front row, making 17 first team appearances despite strong competition from the likes of Rhys Carre, Rhys Gill and Brad Thyer for the number one jersey.
Domachowski, who reached a half century of club appearances earlier in the season, believes he’s reaping the rewards of working with former British and Irish Lion, Dai Young, but insists he won’t get distracted by speculations of a potential international call-up over the summer.
“It’s always going to be helpful when you’ve got someone of his calibre coming on board. Obviously he’s someone I want to take a lot of tips from,” explained the former Wales under-20 international.
“I’ve got on with him really well since he came in. He knows when to have a little joke and knows when to be serious.
“It’s been good and I’m trying take as much as I can from him. Next year will be when we see more of him putting his foot forward and start implementing what he wants to do in terms of set piece. I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s been nice to have regular game-time, playing most week, although it’s a bit new to the body. But that’s something I’m enjoying.
“I’ve always believed in myself and believed that I can be consistent. But it’s about getting the game time and the belief from the coaches to give you regular opportunities.
“It’s your job then to make sure you keep ticking the boxes and make sure that they see what they want to see in you.
“Each game gives me a chance to prove my qualities. There’s definitely a lot to work on, but this has been my first year of playing week-in, week-out and I’m just keen to keep taking steps forward and keep improving on that in each game.
“International rugby is obviously top of the tree, and everyone wants to play at that level. But it all starts with the club you’re playing for.
“If you’re playing well here, you put your name forward for selection and then it’s out of your hands. The only thing you can control is how well you play, how you prepare for each game and that’s all I can do at the moment.
“If anything does happen, then so be it. I would obviously be grateful but at the same time if it doesn’t then I’ll just keep learning and keep improving.
“I’m taking each game as it comes. I’m improving from a young boy to become someone who steps up in senior rugby.
“I’m trying my best each game, bring my qualities and keep talking to the coaches to see what I need to improve on.”
Domachowski believes his side can head into the season finale against Zebre with confidence, after promising recent performances, but he hopes they can sign off the campaign on a high.
The loosehead adds: “On the weekend, we showed our qualities but towards the end of games we’re not finishing them off.
“But we certainly showed glimpses of what we’re capable of again over the weekend.
“It’s been a tough season due to Covid, and no fans being able to attend games. But we’ve got a big focus on ourselves this week, and are looking to finish with a good result against Zebre.
“We need to take everything that Dai has brought into the set-up, put it on a plate and perform it to the best of our ability.”