Super Rugby newcomer Simon Hickey is unfazed about the job he's been handed of directing far more experienced colleagues around the field.
The 20-year-old will make his Blues debut against the Crusaders in Auckland on Friday night with both sides looking to bounce back from first-up defeats.
Hickey says the first five is always expected to provide direction, not matter his age.
"I know that's important for me to do," he said.
"I've got to step up and be a voice in training and in the game as well. I've always done it, so I just have to make sure I do it again."
Hickey says Blues-Crusaders clashes were always his favourite matches to watch when growing up and, as a nine-year-old, he went to the 2003 final when the Blues beat their big rivals at Eden Park.
The home line-up that day included starting hooker Keven Mealamu and reserve prop Tony Woodcock, who have gone on to become All Blacks centurions, and Hickey admits it's "crazy" that he will be playing with them.
Auckland's ITM Cup player of the year in 2013 while still a teenager, he had hoped to get a shot at Super Rugby this season, but his chance had come more quickly than he expected.
His elevation from the wider training group means he has jumped over three other contenders for the No.10 jersey - Chris Noakes, Baden Kerr and league convert Benji Marshall.
Noakes had been dropped after the 29-21 defeat to the Highlanders, Kerr is still recovering from a hand injury, while Marshall's transition to rugby will continue off the bench as cover for both first five and fullback.
Coach Sir John Kirwan expressed plenty of faith in Hickey's ability to step up, saying the youngster had had the same pathway as All Black Aaron Cruden and possessed the calmness of former Test great Grant Fox.
"We'll see on Friday night, I guess," Hickey said.
"It's a pretty big reputation to live up to, but it's nice words from him."
