ACT Brumbies flyhalf Zack Holmes has put his hand up to fill Matt Giteau's goalkicking shoes.
Holmes is locked in a six-way battle for the Brumbies' goalkicking role this Super Rugby season, following Giteau's departure to France.
Holmes, Nic White and Jesse Mogg had their opportunities to impress in last Saturday's trial match against the Western Force, while Ian Prior, Matt Toomua and Christian Lealiifano are also capable of stepping up.
The Brumbies' sharpshooters have been working closely with kicking guru Damian Hill in the pre-season and it's still unclear who will take the shots when the season begins on February 24.
Holmes slotted three of his four attempts in his debut against the Force and he's keen to take on more responsibility.
''Goalkicking is something I've done quite a lot of work on and it's something I enjoy doing,'' the former sevens specialist said.
''They were coming off pretty sweetly the other day, I've always done a bit of kicking.
''I've worked on a few little changes this year and it seems to be working pretty well at the moment ... because so many guys can kick, it means you have to take your opportunity when you get it.''
The Brumbies will leave Darwin this morning ahead of their trial match against the Queensland Reds in Cairns on Saturday.
Holmes and front-rower Scott Sio took a break from rugby duties yesterday to visit remote communities in the Northern Territory.
It was the perfect escape after his ''nervous'' initiation to Super Rugby.
Holmes is expected to be given another opportunity in Cairns to stake his claim to be Toomua's back-up. His versatility - he can also play fullback or wing - means he's a perfect asset on the Brumbies' bench.
His first trial was solid, but the 21-year-old said he wanted more involvement against the defending champion Reds.
''I've trained all pre-season at No.10 and I'm enjoying it there and enjoying learning off [coach] Bernie [Stephen Larkham],'' Holmes said.
''I felt good out there, but I have to be more assertive and have more of an impact.
''I was nervous early on, but I felt comfortable and I think I'll begin to feel more comfortable with the opportunities I get.''
Coach Jake White will rotate some of his squad for the second trial match.
Robbie Coleman has returned to Canberra to have his sternum injury assessed and Jerry Yanuyanutawa is an unlikely starter after being concussed against the Force.
Yanuyanutawa's absence will open the door for Sio to prove himself.
The former Australian under-20s representative is capable of playing any position in the front row.
Meanwhile, monster forward Fotu Auelua will arrive in the capital tomorrow after finishing his stint in Japanese rugby.
Saturday: v Queensland Reds in Cairns, 8pm.
February 16: v ACT XV at Viking Park, Canberra, 5.40pm.
February 24: v Western Force at Canberra Stadium, 7.40pm.
This reporter is on Twitter: @blockadutton
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