Kurtley Beale says his NSW Waratahs can fill the loss of injured star Bernard Foley.
Beale is expected to wear the No.10 jersey in the absence of Foley, who is out for three to four weeks due to a shoulder injury.
“I'm very comfortable playing in a No.10 jersey, I've been playing there throughout the whole pre-season so I've got a really good understanding of how Daryl wants to shape the team and how we want to play in the first couple of rounds,” Beale said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph.
“It's disappointing to lose Bernard, but I think the team is in really good shape at the moment.
“I'm putting credit back to all the players who putting their hand up and fighting for spots. Where we're at, at the moment, I feel like we're in a really good position to start the season well.
“No doubt Bernard is going to be a massive loss for us, he is a fantastic player and a very influential player amongst the group, but that's definitely going to open up opportunities for young guys coming through.
“I don't think we should be too worried, we should definitely approach round one against the Reds with a lot of confidence."
The Waratahs take on the Reds at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night in the opening match of the season.