Noakes has suddenly found himself as the first-choice - and only - first five-eighth in the Highlanders squad but is happy to be the conductor rather than shuffling the feet under the spotlights.
"I just want to play my game, just to see a bit of control. I'm a bit older now and that part of my game is a strength," Noakes said.
"That is exactly what they [coaches] want me to do. We have got plenty of other guys who can do the dancing and line breaks and that sort of stuff. I'll take my chances if they are there but for me it is about directing the team around the park, and not necessarily being an X-factor player."
Noakes had looked set to work his way into the Highlanders squad when he was studying at the University of Otago.
He played 26 games for Otago before leaving after the disappointing 2010 season, ending up in Bay of Plenty, where the new surrounds brought the best out of him.
"I always thought I could play at this level. I grew frustrated with the two major injuries I had in the last years I was in Dunedin.
"When they [Highlanders] first called I thought it was pretty ironic how it all happened. I was only away for one season and have certainly enjoyed being back in this environment.
"I went away and got myself a fresh start. I was in a new environment and enjoyed being injury-free.
"I did not put a whole lot of pressure on myself last year. I think it is just a natural progression to Super rugby which possibly crept into my mindset when I was down here... I just relaxed a wee bit more when I went away."
Noakes started well in the Highlanders jersey, helping the side to a win against the Chiefs, though he was forced off the field with an ankle injury.
He was still feeling the effects of the high ankle sprain but felt comfortable with the way he was going.
"I do not feel out of my depth at all, in the times I have played. Obviously, I'm still finding my feet but I feel comfortable at this level. I have been around a bit now having played a bit of NPC and do not have many nerves going into the game."
No replacement has been named for injured first five-eighths Colin Slade and Lima Sopoaga, although one possibility could be former All Black Mike Delany, who is in his off-season from Japanese club Panasonic Wild Knights.