He's among the greatest front-rowers on the planet, but marquee Sharks recruit Addin Fonua-Blake knows he must start fresh and prove his mettle to his new teammates through hard work.
The former Sea Eagles and Warriors star officially kicked off his Cronulla journey on Tuesday, reporting for pre-season training at Sharks Academy.
While he's won back-to-back Dally M Prop of the Year awards, dominated on the international stage and played 182 NRL matches, Fonua-Blake is eager to knuckle down over the summer and "earn everyone's respect".
"I want to get up to scratch with all the calls with the boys and, come Round 1, make sure I've done everything and didn't leave any stone unturned so I can have another big year," Fonua-Blake, who has arrived on a four-year deal, told sharks.com.au.
"I've done a bit of training (on Tuesday). I just got out there and it was good to get going again. I watched the boys rip in and I'm just excited.
"Everyone likes to get in there and work hard, get our job done. I've definitely seen that from coming in and watching the boys, how hard they train."
Fonua-Blake was impressed with the Sharks' performances under coach Craig Fitzgibbon this year, culminating in a preliminary final appearance.
"They played a real good brand of footy. Fitzy runs a tight ship here. He and his staff have got the boys in good nick," the Kiwi and Tongan international said.
"Obviously they didn't make the big dance, they fell one short, but for them to make it that far is an incredible feat. But obviously the hunger is still here.
Golden Boot nominee: Addin Fonua-Blake
"I can feel it straight away from day one that the boys want to get back up to that level and really drive the standards and go one step further.
"Hopefully, I can add into that and help steer the club in the right direction."
Fonua-Blake will hit the ground running after a mammoth Pacific Championships tournament, having co-captained Tonga to the final against Australia in November.
The powerhouse forward averaged 191 metres across three Tests, earning a nomination for the prestigious International Rugby League Golden Boot award.
I've met a few people who have stopped me in the street and welcomed me to the Shire. I'm loving it, man.
Addin Fonua-Blake
A blockbuster season-opening encounter with four-peat champions Penrith in Las Vegas excites Fonua-Blake as he steels himself for a massive campaign.
"What better way to start the year than going up there and testing how far we've come in the pre-season against the defending premiers?" the 29-year-old said.
After four seasons at the Warriors, Fonua-Blake and his young family have relocated to the Sutherland Shire and embraced the passion of the locals.
"I'm staying out these ways now and I'm loving it," he said.
"The kids have started school here and we're just starting to learn all the little spots around here. It helps moving forward. Hopefully, I can keep learning new spots and get more familiar with the community.
"I've met a few people who have stopped me in the street and welcomed me to the Shire. I'm loving it, man. Every time I see a new person they're welcoming. I can't wait to hopefully meet a few more and go on from there."
