Makes good first impression

organised chaos that is union.

‘‘When I’m watching from afar, you know there’s a ruck there, but to me it looks like a mess, just boys smashing in. But there’s actually some key factors and technique stuff they try to do in there . . . those are the little things I’m trying to learn.’’

In terms of expectations on himself, he’s keeping those as real as he can. ‘‘I have good people around me as sounding boards. Of course I want to put my best foot forward. But it’s been a while since I played rugby, there’s stuff I can pick up at training but when comes to games, it’s a whole new page.’’

The former Warriors and Kiwis captain is aiming to lift his playing weight from 94-95kg in league to 98-99kg. ‘‘There are a lot of cheetahs out there and a few hippopotamuses – so I’ve got to adapt to different shapes.’’

He is also not about to step on anyone’s toes, with the All Blacks on the verge of joining the fray. He sees himself as a ‘‘new guy’’, a follower and not yet a leader, and says it’s on him to establish the connections he needs to.

Someone wondered what a successful season might look like come July?

‘‘I don’t have that answer,’’ he said with a smile. ‘‘It’s just head down, go to work, and make myself official – earn the coaches’ respect by getting that jersey to play in a Super game.’’