James Benjamin determined to be a hit for Dragons at hooker

The 29-year-old from Rogerstone is poised to keep his starting spot for Saturday’s European Challenge Cup clash at Zebre Parma (kick-off 3.15pm).

Benjamin played the full 80 minutes in the Dragons’ New Year’s Day win against the Scarlets, topping the tackle chart with 20 and putting in five carries.

Time will tell, but it seemed like a big moment for the flanker-turned-hooker.

Benjamin, who is out of contract this summer, was converted to a front rower in 2020 and went through hard graft in the gym and on the training paddock.

Post-Covid he played in the Premiership and on loan at Cornish Pirates and Hartpury in the English Championship before being considered a Dragons hooker.

The Wales sevens international, who played at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, was a classy, ball-playing back rower but found his route to the XV blocked by Aaron Wainwright, Ross Moriarty, Ollie Griffiths, Harri Keddie and Taine Basham.

Former boss Bernard Jackman had previously experimented with Benjamin at inside centre in the Celtic Cup and the forward was convinced to go on the move again under Dean Ryan.

PRACTICE: James Benjamin working on his throwing in for the Dragons in training (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“I wasn't told I had to move there, it was a choice for me,” he said. “I just thought, why not give it a go and jump into it at the deep end.

“I feel really confident now and pleased that I made that decision. I have always backed my ability and I know that I add something to the team whenever I'm in there.

“I feel that from the coaching staff, I have done throughout my whole career and felt valued in the club.

“I've always been confident in my own ability. I just had to try and manufacture or make a way of trying to get on the pitch.

“Of course, the back row here and the players we've got are incredible really and you need them playing every week.

“To try and fit in and around that was difficult, but it's just finding a way of getting on the pitch really, and then I feel confident I can add something.”

The Dragons are blessed with back row options but the contenders at hooker aren’t too shabby.

Elliot Dee will hope to get a Six Nations call next week despite being troubled by a rib problem recently while Bradley Roberts is a fellow Wales international and Brodie Coghlan is a feisty up-and-coming talent.

Benjamin may have the ability to thrive around the pitch but basics matter if he is to hold onto the 2 jersey.

MOBILE: James Benjamin on the charge for the Dragons at Cardiff (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

He said: “The hardest thing was the first 100 scrums – that was pretty tough!

“The hardest thing physically is getting out from the scrum. You’ve got to work on your core and your neck to give you the foundation.

“Then I did tweak the way I threw the ball probably halfway through, but I think that's been a big turning point. I feel a lot more confident throwing the ball now.

“The scrum is probably the major hurdle to start with. Then it's games to get you confident with your throwing, the different patterns of running and attack shape flow in a game, picking up being in different slightly positions. That's all become second nature now.”

'Jumbo' made his first start as a hooker against the Lions in November 2022 then had a year-long wait to the next opportunity in Pau in December.

After Roberts failed to hit his usual standards in the Boxing Day drubbing at Cardiff (he wasn't alone), Benjamin got the call for the 13-12 win against the Scarlets.

“To have the confidence of the coaches being given a start in such a big game was massive for me,” he said.

“I just went out there with no pressure on me to try and do anything special, just the nuts and bolts, which is huge for any hooker.

“Set piece first, do your job and then everything else will look after itself. That is the minimum target I have got to set myself.

“I'm really enjoying hooking. It's been quite a tough journey, and the hard work doesn't stop now.”

The Dragons name their team to face Zebre at midday on Friday.