Producing a series of top-class efforts is one of Finn Hurley’s two big tasks now as he seeks to build a successful and memorable career with the Highlanders.
The other is simply to keep hold of the No 15 jersey as he prepares for the incumbent fullback, the classy and relatively experienced Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, to make his comeback from a serious neck injury.
Hurley left everyone wanting more after a simply stunning performance at home against the Blues three weeks ago.
He scored two tries and carved up the defending champions as the Highlanders roared to a 29-21 win despite being reduced to 13 men.
Sadly, there was no immediate encore.
Hurley suffered a quadriceps strain in the captain’s run ahead of the clash with Moana Pasifika a week later, and was still not right after the bye to play the Hurricanes last week.
The pocket rocket is back for this afternoon’s home game against the Reds and is understandably fizzing.
"I’m very excited. It’s been a wee bit of a wait after having a bit of a niggly injury."
Naturally, everyone wants to see Hurley produce another stunning show.
Understandably, the 21-year-old Gore boy wants to both downplay his own status while at the same time embrace the challenge of doing it all again.
"It’s just getting on with my role this week and focusing on that and letting everything take care of itself.
"It was pretty awesome [against the Blues]. The atmosphere was unreal. To do it against a quality side like that was even better.
"There’s a wee bit of pressure there but it also just makes you want to be more prepared to take on the challenge.
"It’s a challenge but also a chance to prove it’s not just a one-off sort of thing.
"You can’t take a backward step, otherwise someone will be in there. You’ve always got to be on your game."
The "someone" who might be in there soon is Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
His pending return has everyone in the squad excited after watching the talented custodian come back from a broken neck.
"From what I understand, he’s only a few weeks away," Hurley said.
"It will be good to have him back. He brings a lot of experience into the side and he’s a good player."
The Highlanders have illustrated a willingness to play the game at pace this season.
Hurley and Caleb Tangitau bring genuine speed to the back three, and the squad’s fastest player, Michael Manson, is waiting patiently for another opportunity.
"It’s good to have some players out there who are even faster than myself," Hurley said with a grin.
"To be able to put them into space and try and catch up with them... it’s pretty hard sometimes."
The youngster has been relishing the daily interactions with Highlanders assistant coach Ben Smith.
"He’s unreal. He’s been where I am now, and to be able to learn off him, and have him help me grow through this process, it’s very helpful."
Hurley is a handy goal-kicker, and neither of the Highlanders’ top two options — Sam Gilbert and Cameron Millar — is starting against the Reds this afternoon.
However, Hurley said he was wary of his recent quad issues, and first five Taine Robinson had been tagged to take shots at goal.
He knows the Reds, powered by a fine forward pack but containing attacking backs of the calibre of Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami and Tim Ryan, present a stiff challenge.
"They’re a well-coached side. They move the ball around. They’ll love to come down and play under the roof.
"We’ve just got to be on, and expect anything.’
Expecting better than last year — when the Reds humbled them 31-0 — is a baseline for the Highlanders.
This is the sort of game they need to win if they are to remain strong contenders for the top six.
Highlanders v Reds
Dunedin, 4.35pm today
Highlanders: Finn Hurley, Caleb Tangitau, Tanielu Tele’a, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Timoci Tavatavanawai (captain), Taine Robinson, Nathan Hastie, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Mitch Dunshea, TK Howden, Saula Ma’u, Soane Vikena, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Fabian Holland, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Sam Gilbert.
Reds: Heremaia Murray, Lachie Anderson, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Tim Ryan, Tom Lynagh, Kalani Thomas, Harry Wilson (captain), John Bryant, Seru Uru, Angus Blyth, Josh Canham, Zane Nonggorr, Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase. Reserves: George Blake, Alex Hodgman, Massimo de Lutiis, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Dre Pakeho.
