This time last year, Witt was a key member of a Warriors team making a charge in the play-offs of the National Rugby League competition.
But the 13-man code is no longer on his mind, and it will be about getting his side over the advantage line and kicking for accuracy when he lines up in the first five-eighth position for Otago tomorrow in Napier.
Witt has come off the bench in the past two matches for Otago but will now start the game, with Otago coach Steve Martin saying Witt was a very experienced player who had played sport at a high level.
"He's had those couple of games to get used to the level. Through his experience at this level he can utilise his skills to call the shots," Martin said.
"The nature of him is that he has the skills and confidence you need when directing the attack. He has done that for the Warriors and previous league teams he has played for."
Witt had taken a while to adjust to the new game but with Chris Noakes injured and Glenn Dickson still finding his feet at this level, Witt was the next cab off the rank, Martin said.
Dickson disappointed with his line kicking against Canterbury in Christchurch last week, and Witt's big-game experience has undoubtedly helped him win a starting place.
Outside Witt, Andrew Parata replaces Aaron Bancroft, and winger Fetu'u Vainikolo comes into the side for Ryan Shortland, who moves to the bench.
"In our early games, Andrew was quite a strong attacker and made some good line breaks. We need to be positive in our attack and break the line more.
"Out wide we have three strong guys and we've decided to go with Fetu'u this time and give him a run. But it would be hard to fault Ryan, who has scored three tries in three games."
Martin was disappointed with some of the backline defence last week, and an inability to create chances.
Vainikolo will need to be busy, as it is tough on Shortland to be demoted as the ball did not go his way last week.
There are two changes in the forward pack, both in the front row.
Hooker Jason Macdonald is staying home to be with his new baby daughter and is replaced by Peter Mirrielees, while Keith Cameron comes into the team for Sam Hibbard, with Kees Meeuws packing down at tighthead.
Martin said Hibbard was simply having a rest after a heavy workload in his first season at this level, and Ben Nolan, now fit after a nagging rib injury, would be the reserve prop.
Hooker Sam Anderson-Heather comes on to the bench and will make his first-class debut if he gets a run.
Martin said Hawkes Bay had an all-Super 14 front row and pride in its scrum, so it was vital for Otago to be able to match it at scrum time.
The Otago forwards played well last week and won plenty of ball, but face a tough test against a Hawkes Bay side fresh from a convincing win over North Harbour.
With six games left, Martin conceded Otago had to start winning, but the team was still in with a shot at the semifinals.
Otago sits in 10th position in the table, while Hawkes Bay is eighth, two points ahead.
Hawkes Bay lock Matt Egan is under an injury cloud and has been bracketed with Michael Johnson.
A decision will be made on Egan's availability today after the captain's run but if he is ruled out, Johnson will go to lock, and George Naoupu will start on the blindside flank.
Otago last played Hawkes Bay in 1993, when it won 20-9.
The Otago union will stage a "Goldtimers" day on October 17, when Otago plays Tasman.
The union is inviting all former Otago players to Carisbrook for some refreshments before the game, and then to watch the match, in what they hope to be an annual event.
Otago v Hawkes Bay
Napier, tomorrow
Otago: Ben Smith, Karne Hesketh, Brett Mather, Andrew Parata, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Michael Witt, Sean Romans, Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai (captain), Eben Joubert, Hayden Triggs, Hoani Matenga, Kees Meeuws, Peter Mirrielees, Keith Cameron.
Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, Ben Nolan, Seko Kalou, Paul Grant, James Kenny, Glenn Dickson, Ryan Shortland.
Hawkes Bay: Israel Dagg, Jason Kupa, Jason Shoemark (captain), Zac Guildford, Andrew Horrell, Matt Berquist, Chris Eaton, Thomas Waldrom, Karl Lowe, Michael Johnson or George Naoupu, Michael Johnson or Matt Egan, Ross Kennedy, Clint Newland, Hika Elliot, Sona Taumalolo.
Reserves: Ash Dixon, Josh Keys, George Naoupu or Pama Petia, Hugh Reed, Dane Shelford, Richard Buckman, Mark Jackman.
