From prop to hooker to breakaway and back again.

But in 2014 the 28-year-old has found his feet in the hooking role and Blacks coach Bobby Tynan picks blokes around him.

“The last few years he [Currey] has been more of a utility, going from hooker to loose forward, hooker to loose forward, but now he has his spot and everyone else gets picked around him,” Tynan said.

“He is on the ball all the time, takes the ball from the opposition and has strengthened up our line out.”

Tynan said Currey has been in good form for the Blacks, which has been assisted by his fitness levels.

“He got a point last week and another one the week before, he is just playing too well,” Tynan said.

“His general play has been helped by his fitness ... every time we do any conditioning work he is always right up there.” 

Tynan will need Currey and co. to turn in a strong performance against the reigning Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union champions this Saturday when they tackle The Waratahs at Waratah Oval.

“They’ll be tough,” he said.

“They are the reigning premiers, it’s down there and they’ve only lost two games.

“The eight [Pala Palupe] and nine [Auvasa Falealii] left big holes but they still have such a good team with guys like [Carl] Manu and [Tim] Riley in the backline.”

Tynan said a few of The Waratahs forwards were also expected to return for the round seven encounter while his own prop Dan Leadley was available to play after a tackle from last weekend’s 34-22 victory against Nelson Bay at home was cleared by the judiciary.

Tynan said the key for the Blacks to win their fourth match of the season would be possession.

“We have to hold onto the ball,” he said.

“They have too many guns across the park to give away any chances, otherwise we will get shot.”

The only change to the Blacks first XV is Josh McCormack returning from injury at fullback for the unavailable Josh Gray.

In other first grade fixtures Easts host Southern Beaches, University travel to Speers Point to meet Lake Macquarie, Nelson Bay are at home to Merewether and in the match of the round Wanderers and Hamilton go head to head. 

For the past few seasons Dave Currey has shuffled around the Maitland Blacks forward pack.

BLACKS XV: 1 Dan Leadley; 2 Dave Currey; 3 Dan Runchel (c); 4 Nathan Brennan; 5 Ryan Vesper; 6 Nick Davidson; 7 Steve Belcher; 8 Jono Wotton; 9 Jono O’Toole; 10 Joe Lavis; 11 Rob Williamson; 12 Jordy Lantry; 13 James Johnston; 14 David Quinn; 15 Josh McCormack