Hawkins was concerned in 21 video games in his first yr at Sandy Park, a transfer that ended his Wales profession underneath the 25-cap rule.
He began the primary 5 matches of this season although was changed in all of these video games – each a defeat – and has dramatically fallen down the Chiefs’ midfield pecking order.
“It in all probability has been powerful for him and I do not thoughts admitting that,” mentioned Baxter.
“He is been good about it, not had any tantrums, and acquired on with it. He is conscious there are issues we have requested of him and proper now we simply really feel Will Rigg offers us extra go ahead.”
Gatland picked Hawkins for all however one match of the 2023 Six Nations earlier than the participant’s departure from Ospreys amid the drastic value reducing among the many areas.
The Wales coach has mentioned he could be eager to have Hawkins again as a attainable contender for the issue quantity ten jersey.
However Baxter has warned Hawkins there may be little probability of him taking part in that place for Chiefs.
“I perceive why some individuals might imagine [fly-half] is his finest place,” he added.
“I’ve thought of Joe at 10 however we did not have the chance early on as we juggled our assets as a consequence of restricted choices in midfield.
“It is going to be arduous now to rotate and provides him a bash at 10 as a result of we’re in a stress state of affairs and we have to win video games.”