Donaldson out to repay flyhalf faith as Force prepare for Ardie's Moana
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He might boast the Force's highest Fantasy ranking but Ben Donaldson says he's no guarantee for the starting flyhalf jersey in 2025.
Though Donaldson, 26, is widely considered the Force's primary playmaker and goalkicking option (available for a cool $7m in Super Rugby Fantasy), the 16-cap Wallaby won't be resting on his laurels ahead of their Round 1 opener against Moana Pasifika.
Off-season recruit Coby Miln has added to an impressive - albeit relatively inexperienced - group of playmakers with Max Burey and Reesjan Pasitoa also capable of running the Force cutter this year.
"It’s been really competitive here through pre-season," Donaldson told rugby.com.au.
"Coby been excellent since coming across and we've got lots of guys who can play there so I don’t feel like that jersey’s mine yet.
"Number 10 is definitely my preferred position, I feel it's where I play my best footy and where I’m most comfortable but those guys are pushing me.
"It was great for me last year having Cronno (Force coach Simon Cron) showing faith - that gave me a lot of confidence - so hopefully I can cement that spot this year."
Reflecting on the Force's 2024, Donaldson admits they "didn't deserve to make finals" but is adamant the side can turn things around in their 20th anniversary season.
"We were so close but at the end of the day we weren’t good enough, you know. Looking back there were those three or four games we only lost by a few points," Donaldson said.
"It’s about being consistent week to week for us this year and knowing how to close out those games we should be winning.
"But we're one year older, one year more experienced and there's that solid core group sticking around so with a few new signings, I think it's really exciting.
"You’d be lying if you said you didn’t want to win a comp, right? The Force have never made finals but we want to make finals and we know we can so our main goal is to get better every day and put out performances we can be proud of."
The Force's road to a drought-breakings finals appearances begins this weekend with Moana Pasifika out to spoil the party and reprise their 2024 away victory at HBF Park.
"Yeah tough game against Moana last year, they had a few great wins but not our best performance," Donaldson said.
"It's obviously a big one with them getting Ardie Savea now but it's a home game for Round 1, it’s our 20th year, and we're super excited to get out there in front of our fans."
