The decision to walk away from an Australian 7s contract to focus on the XVs game looked to have paid off when Paul Asquith picked up a Melbourne Rebels contract late last year.

But unfortunately for the 23-year old, things didn’t quite go to plan.

Asquith started just one match at fullback for the Rebels in 2016 and is now back in Sydney preparing to captain the Western Sydney Rams in this year’s National Rugby Championship.

“Yeah it was frustrating but I think I took a lot out of being involved in the Rebels environment. I learnt a lot and hopefully I can take that back to the Rams and have a big season,” Asquith said.

“It was disappointing not to get much game time but I was really happy with how I trained and how I performed when I did get a chance. Obviously, I would have preferred if it came a bit earlier, but there is a lot of depth at the Rebels.”

Asquith is one of 11 Southern Districts players in the Rams squad, that also features Waratahs Hugh Roach and Senio Toleafoa and Fijian Olympic 7s star Vatemo Ravouvou.

“There are a few familiar faces, particularly in the backline so hopefully we benefit from that because there are already some good combinations there. Then you throw in a few of the Fijian boys, it should be exciting.

“We’ve got a few boys with Super Rugby experience but the rest of the guys have trained really well and I think a few of them have a bit of a point to prove in the NRC. “

Asquith spent two years in the Australian Sevens program after making his debut in 2013 and scored 76 points on the World Series.

Over the years, he’s played almost every position in the backline but will start at flyhalf for the Rams in their opening match against the Sydney Rays.

“I still don’t really know what my best position is. I was enjoying playing inside centre a few years ago at Souths and the last few seasons I’ve loved playing fullback.

“I’ve been training at 10 for the last few weeks and I’m liking that at the moment so I want to give it a good crack. I’ll be a bit closer to the game and should get a few more touches than usual so I’m looking forward to that.”

Asquith played a number of games at flyhalf for the Rams last year but admitted he struggled to adapt to the part-time role. Although he spent most of his time at the Rebels training at fullback, he felt confident ahead of the NRC.

“I actually think my time at fullback will help me as a flyhalf. You get a better idea of what the players outside of you want,” he said.

“Last year, I hadn’t really trained at 10 and I think I was a bit erratic but I think I’m a lot more level headed now. Training outside of Jack Debreczeni and Mike Harris doesn’t hurt either so hopefully that shows this season.”

With his plans for next season still up in the air, Asquith has plenty of prove in this year’s NRC and gets his first opportunity to do so on Sunday when the Rams travel to North Sydney Oval to play the Rays.

“I think every non-contracted player is looking at the NRC as an opportunity to further their careers,” he said.

“I loved my time at the Rebels and I definitely want to stay in Australia and keep playing, so I’ll be giving the NRC my all and hopefully things work out.”