Daniel Atkinson admits recent months have not been "all sunshine and rainbows", but insists he can still play a major part in St George Illawarra's future after the club's signing spree.
Atkinson is one of several Dragons at risk of being squeezed out of their first-choice side for next year, with halves Luke Metcalf and Kodi Nikorima to join fullback Scott Drinkwater as new faces at the club.
After arriving as their first-choice half at the start of this season, Atkinson reverted to No.6 after five rounds and was dropped for Lyhkan King-Togia last month.
He impressed filling in at fullback for Clint Gutherson against Wests Tigers on Sunday, and looks every chance of finishing the year in the No.1 jersey.
"I wouldn't say it's been all sunshine and rainbows, but it's part of the game I signed up for," Atkinson told AAP.
"That's footy, you ride the highs and lows.
"I just knew when I got the chance I had to take it with both hands and I hope I did that (against the Tigers).
"I put (the other stuff) in the back pocket for a bit, focused on myself and locked in at training.
"I don't think my game changes too much at fullback. It probably brings out more of my running game and that's my favourite part."
Atkinson met with Dragons officials last week and has been assured he remains part of the club's future plans with their rebuild now in full swing.
Beyond Atkinson, Dean Young also still has fellow halves Kyle Flanagan, King-Togia and young gun Kade Reed still in his roster for next year.
Atkinson laid on a try and was threatening in his first ever NRL game at fullback on Sunday, in a reminder of his utility value going forward.
The likely scenario is that the 25-year-old plays a utility role next year, while Metcalf's fitness will also prove crucial after another hamstring tear for the Warriors on the weekend.
But Atkinson would prefer to nail down one spot, after his decision to take up a three-year deal at the Dragons was driven by a chance to be an NRL starting half.
"Obviously the best thing in footy is availability, but I would like to focus on a position and apply my trade there," Atkinson said.
"But if the team needs me to play somewhere then I will put my hand up for sure.
"We have some talent coming. And talent only brings out the best in everyone else. It will be good, everyone will be competing with one another.
"You need 30 players. I don't know a team that has only used 17 players every week. It takes a squad to go well in the NRL and that's what I am looking forward to. And I am looking forward to getting better myself too."
