Mason Grady insists he’s ready to challenge for a starting spot in the Cardiff midfield, after impressing with his opportunities this season.
The homegrown centre heads into the upcoming festive derbies after crossing the whitewash as a replacement in the recent back-to-back European victories over Brive and Newcastle Falcons.
The Wales under-20 international, who was sidelined for a year after suffering a serious knee injury in March 2020, has made 10 appearances for the Blue and Blacks this season, starting three matches.
But the 20 year old is desperate to prove he can step up as a starter, amid tough competition in the Cardiff midfield.
“It’s been good to get a few starts this season, but I really want to push for that starting jersey consistently now, whether that’s at 13 or on the wing,” said Grady.
“I think I’m ready to try and get out there and start a few more games this season and see how it goes.
“Every time I get on I just try to do something to benefit the team, and hopefully I can continue to do that.
“Hopefully I can just carry on what I’ve been doing in the past two games and get a few more starts and put my name forward for the starting spot.”
Starting with the Boxing Day trip to Rodney Parade, Cardiff head into the festive derbies with positivity after six wins in the last eight outings.
Grady insists his side can’t afford to underestimate Dragons RFC, but hopes his team’s cohesion on and off the field will lead to a successful festive period.
“There’s good vibes here at the moment, coming off two wins in Europe and going into the Christmas derbies,” said the centre.
“We’re really excited for it and hopefully we’ll get another win.
“Boxing Day should be really good. We can’t underestimate the Dragons, especially on Boxing Day at their own place. It’s a massive game.
“They’re a really good team and they’ve showed that a few times this season. So you can’t go off the loss they had against Pau.
“But we’ll just focus on ourselves and hopefully get the win.
“The main thing is just the vibe and atmosphere we have around the camp at the moment. All the boys seem to be getting along really well.
“We’ve been working well as a team both on and off the field so as long as we stick together, I think we’ll be fine for the rest of the season.
“We can’t get too carried away or get too complacent after seven wins out of 11. But yeah, I’m really enjoying it.”
Tickets for Cardiff’s Arms Park derbies against Ospreys (3pm on New Year’s Day) and Scarlets (January 7, 5.15pm) are available now but selling fast. To secure your tickets click here.