Collins (23) has played all but seven minutes for the Blues this year, slotting in nicely at fullback for the Auckland-based side.
Not bad for a guy who went into the season with no firm agenda.
''I was pretty open-minded about it when I came up here. I didn't really have any goal around playing time,'' he said.
''But obviously it is working out really well. I'm not taking anything for granted though. I've just got to keep playing as well as I can.
''I'm lucky though as Tana [coach Tana Umaga] has backed me 100%. And just being around such as good group of players and coaching staff.''
The fullback, who has played 43 games for Otago since 2012, said the Super Rugby environment was a step up from the Mitre 10 Cup, which was to be expected.
''The intensity is just 100% all of the time. All those little one-percenters are done a wee bit higher. But you've got All Blacks all round you so you can only do your best when they are there and you are learning off them.''
Collins scored a nice try against the Force last weekend, showing some speed to get away from the opposition to score.
He was often maligned for his perceived lack of speed but seems to have increased his pace since joining the Blues.
''I've had that comment a bit lately. But here we have some pretty good strength and conditioning trainers and it is something I have been working on.
''We haven't done any more testing lately but I would like to think I've got a wee bit faster.''
He said a good pre-season and being surrounded by top-class players and athletes helped his game.
The door was shut for Collins to join the Highlanders for this season with the southern franchise having its full quota of backs.
But Collins said he was enjoying living in Auckland.
''I haven't been caught in a traffic jam once yet. We just live around the corner from training so it is not too bad. It is nice to be up here, something fresh and different.''
Collins will return back to Otago for the Mitre 10 Cup but is not sure what is on after that.
He is looking forward to taking on the Highlanders this weekend although he admitted it would be somewhat foreign running out from the visitors' changing shed.
''This is a critical game for both of us, really. We have a big few weeks coming up for us and these derby games are really important.''