Leeds Rhinos stand-off Danny McGuire welcomes the battle to start in head coach Brian McDermott's first-choice XIII this coming Super League season.
The Headingley Carnegie club have no fewer than four players vying for the two halves' spots, including the likes of experienced duo Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield along with rising talent Liam Sutcliffe.
McGuire, who made his Super League debut against Salford in 2001, believes in competition for the team as it means everyone needs to play at their best every week.
"There's four players who could potentially play in the halves - myself, Rob (Burrow), Kev (Sinfield) and Sutty all vying for two places," he told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
"Rob's spent a bit of time at Nine and Kev and Sutty can move about into the loose, back-row or nine and I am the only one who's probably either a six or a seven.
"But it's all on form and whoever's playing well will get the shirt. I think that's the way it should be.
"If someone's not performing then there's going to be changes. Hopefully I'll get first shot at that, then it's up to me to prove I'm worthy of that shirt."
The 31-year-old former England and Great Britain international believes there is great potential in McDermott's squad, while their up-and-coming talents will already have experience under their belts.
"I am excited for the start of the season and I think we've got a lot of potential in the squad again," he continued.
"We're very similar to what we had last year with a couple of quality additions.
"Our younger players are a year older and more experienced so I think it should hopefully be another good, successful season for us."
