Collins was selected for the rugby side in June and has since been juggling university studies between games and training.
Fresh out of Otago Boys' High School, the 19-year-old has found the step up a great challenge and now Otago has confirmed its place in the championship division semifinal, he thinks it can go all the way to winning it.
"We've done awesomely well, to where we were six months ago. We've got a good chance of winning this championship."
Collins has managed six caps to his name through coach Tony Brown and has seen only positives from his introductory season.
"From school to club to provincial level, it's been a huge step up. Probably the biggest thing has been speed and they obviously hit a lot harder. You don't have the time to recover; you just get up and take the next one, but you get used to it.
"It's fine for the first year and I hope to get stuck in more at crunch time and early next season. It's just a start."
This season has been a dream one for Collins after he played a starring role in his Taieri club title and had strong showings for his province.
The quick jump from school to club to Otago has exposed Collins to several different coaching styles in a short time and he says it has been beneficial.
"Defence is one thing of mine I have been working on this season and the core skills of passing and kicking. Browny [Tony Brown] has been great for that." Collins was nervous starting for Otago but the seniors in his side quickly knocked that out of him and advised him playing for his province was something to be excited about.
"The home support has been pretty overwhelming because we are all from here and the fact we are getting these crowds is pretty humbling, really."
Collins also has university exams to think about and they come just one week after Otago's last game, if it reaches the final.
"It is hard balancing uni and footy. I was pretty good with study earlier in the year and now rugby's taken over ... I'm still slightly on track. It will be touch and go."
Does he pack his books with his training kit?
"I should say yes to that, shouldn't I?
"I do get the work done and I'm confident. I've passed everything so far."
Proud parents Ruth and Kelvin Collins, of Queenstown, have not missed a game he has played in.
"Mum and dad are normally there. They're pretty happy."
