Betham eyes Makos return after breakout year [Stuff]
Peter Betham is hoping to return to play the ITM Cup with Tasman, the team responsible for reinvigorating his Super Rugby career among a Wallabies-laden back division at the Waratahs.
The Wellington-born 24-year-old is in negotiations to play a second season in New Zealand's provincial competition - the launching pad for a busier than expected campaign as the Sydney-based franchise rebuilds under Michael Cheika.
Betham is enjoyed his most productive Super Rugby season since he was a foundation member of the Melbourne Rebels in 2011.
The wing/fullback played eight games for the newest Australian franchise and then returned to Sydney and the Waratahs, where he had trialled in 2010.
Betham only made two appearances under former coach Michael Foley last season and, desperate for game time, he joined Tasman on a piecemeal deal after friend and Samoan halfback Jeremy Sua told him there was a vacancy out wide.
He then built a reputation as one of the competition's top finishers and might have stayed in New Zealand had the Waratahs not already signed him up for 2013.
Betham figured his opportunities would again be limited in the Waratahs back three with Australian internationals Drew Mitchell and Lachie Turner already established before former league star Israel Folau sought to reinvent himself after a lucrative though frustrating time playing AFL.
Understandably Betham was down Cheika's pecking order at the start of the season but after being overlooked for the first three games he has now featured in each of the Waratahs next 11 including tonight's clash with the Crusaders at AMI Stadium.
Oscillating between the right and left wings, Betham's speed and guile has yielded four tries to leave him third on the Waratahs list behind Folau (8) and fellow wing Cam Crawford (6).
Betham got his first break when Toulon-bound Mitchell was dropped after a subdued start to the season; he then maintained his place when the Wallabies flier was reinstated despite pressure from Turner, Tom Kingston and Crawford.
He scored on his season debut - a one-point loss to the Cheetahs - while the highlight has been a match-sealing touchdown against the Brumbies on May 18.
"I'm still in negotiations. Hopefully I get a chance to go back," said Betham, of a return to Tasman before the squad crossed the ditch.
One of his fondest rugby achievements took place up SH1 at Trafalgar Park in round one of last year's ITM Cup when Tasman beat Canterbury.
"That was a massive win for us," said an appreciative Betham.
"It's kind of hard finding your place on the fringes of Super Rugby and Tasman gave me that opportunity pretty much to show my skills and what I have."
Betham scored six tries to finish third equal on the stats and arrived at the Waratahs upbeat after enjoying Tasman's desire to counter-attack, though unsure when he would fit into Cheika's plans.
"I'm definitely surprised but also happy my efforts during the pre-season and ITM has borne fruit for this season.
"I backed myself but I didn't realise it'd be this many games."
Betham credited the Australian and former Crusaders assistant coach Daryl Gibson for finessing his game.
"I've cut back on errors and the off the cuff stuff that I've done in the past," he said.
"I've always had a bit of flair in me but I'm working to structures and that's really helped."
- © Fairfax NZ News
