New Warriors standoff Blake Green has opened up about his move from the beaches of Manly to downtown Auckland in a column for Australian website Players Voice.
Green signed a three-year deal with the Penrose-based club last year after one season with the Sea Eagles, and he is enjoying his time in Auckland.
The 31-year-old is a rugby league veteran, having played in more than 200 first-class games and played at seven different clubs during his career.
Green has heard plenty of criticism aimed at the Warriors over the years, but he is hoping to use his experience to help lead the club to the finals for the first time since 2011.
"There's been a perception that the players aren't fit enough, don't train hard enough, and that's why they haven't been successful over the last five or six seasons," Green wrote in a piece for the Players Voice.
"I can't speak for years gone by, but I can say, with great certainty, that it isn't accurate in 2018.
"This has been one of the toughest pre-season I've had, and I played under Craig Bellamy. We have got through a ton of work. Fitness, strength and stamina are not going to be issues for the Warriors this season. I've been genuinely impressed. Everything looks in place.
"I'm not going to make any big predictions but I can guarantee the players will be making each other more accountable. That's something we focused on during the pre-season: being accountable for your actions, giving your best effort on every occasion."
Green also spoke about how the Warriors have made a special effort to make him and family welcome.
One moment that stood out for Green was when he received his jersey on Friday night ahead of the season opener against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
"I have seen plenty of jumper presentations in my time. They usually follow a similar pattern from club-to-club, but not at the Warriors. Not even close.
"I was standing there, as usual. All the players and coaching staff were gathered, as usual. And then a four-year-old boy marched into the room holding my new No. 6 jumper.
"'I love you Dad, and I hope you win the footy. Go, Warriors. It was my son, Boston.
"The club had arranged it with my wife, Sarah, and the kids, Boston and Sadie, and kept it a secret from me. It was a total surprise and a lovely one at that. It was a very special moment and something I'll cherish forever.
"To me, it really summed up the experience with the Warriors so far. They have done everything to ensure we made a seamless transition from the northern beaches of Sydney to downtown Auckland. They've been thoughtful, considerate and incredibly accommodating."
Newshub.
