Rees is taking a break from the game, as he undergoes treatment for testicular cancer, and Dacey admitted the 33-year-old's condition has put a lot of things into perspective.
However, he is also determined to show he can compete at this level and believes his experience as a back-row forward can give him an edge.
"I am happy I have got opportunities now and I am just enjoying my rugby at the moment," he told Wales Online.
"But I do wish it had come a different way. That's life and I suppose we've just got to move on really.
"We all send our best wishes to Matthew and we are just trying to do the most we can for him.
"I try to play as a back row, but throw the ball in. I do try to bring a new dynamic to it, I suppose.
"There are a couple of hookers out there that have done exactly the same thing, so I have just got to try and enjoy it."
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