Hawkins, 24, and Scarlets partner Eddie James have developed as Wales’ first-choice centre pairing during the past 12 months.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy has selected five different starting midfield partnerships in 13 games since taking charge in September 2025.
Hawkins and James are the most prolific pair, having been together for seven games which include victory in an uncapped match against Barbarians.
Tandy did go back to Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn for the 43-0 defeat by South Africa in July, but the Scarlets pair have been the preferred option.
“Eddie and I have a good relationship on and off the field,” said Hawkins.
“That is starting to grow on the pitch with the more opportunities we get together.”
The make-up of the Wales midfield has caused debate with Tandy and attack coach Matt Sherratt wanting a creative ball-playing inside centre like Hawkins or Thomas.
This leaves James as the physical presence at outside centre with Tandy stating he sees the Carmarthen-born 24-year-old’s long-term future as a Test 13.
Many observers believe James should be considered as a 12 but Wales are determined to keep their creative options open.
With Thomas missing because of a calf injury, Hawkins appears to be competing for the Wales’ 12 jersey with uncapped Dragons centre Aneurin Owen, although Llewellyn has also featured at inside centre for Gloucester this season.
“The ball-playing stuff is stuff I enjoy doing but you still need to go forward as well and I feel like I can also produce that side of it,” said Hawkins.
“Matt [Sherratt] likes you always in and around that first receiver position so you are always in those decision-making roles.
“You’ve got to be comfortable on the ball and making decisions at high speed.
“But there’s not always going to be opportunities to ball play, so you’ve got to try and have a bit of a rounded game.”
Hawkins has also been employed as an outside-half by Scarlets but he sees his future at 12.
“It gives me a lot more respect for the 10s, having been in there, with all the work they do,” he added.
“It probably helps me when I play centre from being a 10, I know what they need from me a little bit more, so the information and communication I’m feeding helps the whole team.”
