As fans still become accustomed to seeing Cooper Cronk in club colours that aren't those of the Melbourne Storm, the man himself says he hasn't been this excited for a pre-season since 2003.
That was when Cronk was on the cusp of first-grade honours - he would go on to make his debut in 2004.
The new Sydney Roosters recruit could not contain his excitement on Monday night as he prepares for his club debut in Saturday's trial against the Manly Sea Eagles in Gosford.
"I haven't been this excited for a pre-season game since 2003!," the star halfback said on NRL 360 on Monday night.
"Life's great and I can't complain. I never thought that moving to Sydney would be so seamless both on and off the field."
Although he has only been at the club for a short period of time, Cronk praised the Roosters coaching staff.
"The group here and the staff are just sensational," Cronk said.
"They are terrific in the things that they do.
"I've hit the ground running and have been working hard for the last month."
Cronk will be seen as a leader in the eyes of many but in order to be given that mantle, he says you must first be in good form yourself.
"Any leader or someone who wants to set an example needs to be at their best," he said.
"I need to perform every week. What may have lacked for me in previous years is cohesiveness and game management.
"A strength of mine is to bring others into the game.
With a wealth of talented players at the Roosters, he does not believe he is the most influential.
"I compete every game but I don't think I will be the most influential player at the Roosters," Cronk said.
Also appearing alongside Cronk on NRL 360 was Roosters captain Boyd Cordner, who had nothing but praise for the experienced half.
"We signed Cronk based on what he could bring to the club both on and off the field," Cordner said.
"His knowledge of the game and the impact he has on the younger players, it's having a big effect on the playing group."
