Caleb calls spot home.

MOST rugby league followers realise that the hooker and halfback roles are fairly interchangeable in today's football. Pepsi Dolphins No 9 Caleb McEniery fits that bill perfectly after graduating from the halves in the club's A grade to the man in the middle of the Premier League scrum. By the time of the last regular season fixture, McEniery had racked up 12 top team appearances for 2004 after three previous outings in first grade last season and two in his first season at the club. Most of his previous outings had been at halfback when Michael Roberts was out injured. "I was playing five-eighth with Bertie Campbell's side when I was called up to Premier Grade this year," he said. "I'd rather be at pivot because I like to be a playmaker, but maybe hooker is the position for me. Perhaps I could make it my own with the Fins." McEniery's path to the No 6 jersey is halted by one S. Perry, a fixture since he joined the club. "I've played 12 straight matches in the top side up until the last fixture against Norths and I've really enjoyed it," he said. "You are always in the action and I've always been big on defence and that's my strength in the game. "So that part of the game suits me and I find that once I get my defence right in a game the rest of it comes after that. "Premier Grade matches are all tough and every team seems to step up a notch when they play Redcliffe.'' McEniery was one of several rakes for 2004 following in the boots of Nathan Black, Justin McKay and Matt Anderton as players tried in the spot. Another Sunshine Coast product at Dolphin Oval, McEniery is still only 21 but in his three seasons with the Dolphins has notched two grand final appearances for a victory and a loss. In 2002, he was a member of the Colts side downed by the Broncos-aligned Wests before claiming a title last side with the A grade against Wynnum. At 87 kilograms, McEniery has the size to acquit himself well in the forwards, his darting runs and skill helping break up opposition defensive lines. A Caloundra Sharks junior, some of his former clubmates include National rugby League regulars Casey Maguire, Craig Hall and Adam Mogg. As for the future? "I've not decided what to do about next season," he said. "I'll see what comes around. I do know that I want to make a future out of football." And if you think you have seen his surname before in a program, you are right. Caleb's older brother Drew played three seasons in the red and white before leaving for Perth the season his younger sibling arrived.