McAtee relishing making his league debut against Donny
RHODRI McATEE is looking forward to making his full league debut for Plymouth Albion tomorrow against Doncaster Knights at Brickfields (3pm).
The former Wales sevens international was one of Albion's biggest signings of the summer.
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He made the move to Brickfields from the Cornish Pirates.
McAtee spent eight years with the Pirates and played nearly 200 games for them.
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And he will get an early return to Mennaye Field when Albion take on the Pirates in their second match of the season.
McAtee is relishing that clash, but first he has his sights on beating Doncaster tomorrow.
"I am very excited about the season," he said.
"It has been a tough pre-season, but I am looking forward to actually getting some rugby played."
He added: "Obviously I am looking forward to the Pirates game. I can't wait for that. It is only five minutes down the road from my house. But I am concentrating on Donny first.
"It is important we have a big start to the season. But I don't see why we can't win the first two games.
"I see them as two very winnable games."
McAtee has played against Doncaster a number of times and knows what to expect from the South Yorkshire side.
"They are a very confrontational side up front but they are also not afraid to throw it around. They have got a 10 that is not known for liking to keep it tight, so they will be a tough team to play against. But hopefully we can step up."
McAtee is hoping the Plymouth public also step up.
"I have not seen a full crowd at Brickfields yet playing for Plymouth," he said.
However, he has seen some playing for the Pirates against Albion in some titanic derby battles.
"There were some good tight games and definitely the crowd are a 16th-man for Albion when they turn up."
He added: "It would be nice to get a lot of people through the gates and show them a new brand of rugby that we will be playing this season."
So as Albion's most high-profile and experienced signing of the summer, does he feel under pressure to perform?
"As a winger you just try and take your opportunities if they come and if they don't come there is not a lot you can do about it," he said.
"I'm not pressured that way, but I am pressured that I have to play well for personal pride and wanting to do well for my team.
"I don't feel particularly pressured that I have to perform because I like to feel that I will anyway."
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