A week after sealing the Cutters first NSW Cup premiership with a clutch field-goal, the Dragons No.7-in-waiting backed up with a man of the match performance in his side’s 54-12 thrashing of Burleigh on Sunday.

It was the sort of polished performance that would’ve brought a smile to the face of Dragons coach Paul McGregor and the 21-year-old believes he’s ready to step up and become an NRL regular

“Absolutely [I’m ready] I wouldn't play footy if I didn't think I was ready,” Hutchison said.

“To be honest, there's plenty of little things in my game I need to work on. There's no doubt I'll be doing that in the off-season and the preseason. I'm hoping for a big 2017 and it's all up to me. But It's a team sport and there's 16 other blokes you have to play for out here. That's what we have done every week. 2017 is a different year. Obviously I finished 2016 on a high note and I'm certainly going to enjoy it with these boys.”