Marquee Knights recruit Trent Hodkinson is confident his past success puts him in good stead for the new chapter of his career in Newcastle.
One of two Knights signings for 2016, alongside journeyman Mickey Paea, the six-time Blues halfback remains positive for the future despite Newcastle's run to the wooden spoon in 2015.
Having made the finals with the Bulldogs for the past three years, 27-year-old Hodkinson is hopeful his time under one of the game's more successful mentors Des Hasler proves beneficial.
That, and working with new Newcastle coach Nathan Brown – who was a part of New South Wales' Origin camp in 2015.
"I was involved with 'Browny' during the Origin period and loved everything he had to say about me improving as a player and what structures would best suit me," Hodkinson said on his first day as a Knight.
"I'm hoping to bring a lot to the Knights, especially with what I learnt at the Dogs and under Dessie.
"It'll be great to turn [the Knights] around and make the finals but it's a long way away and we just have to work hard in the pre-season as a group and we'll see how we go."
Yet to relocate from the south of Sydney, Hodkinson was delighted the wait was over for his days as a Knight to begin though comes to the club carrying a wrist injury.
Having suffered the injury against his new club after back-rower and new teammate Tariq Sims pushed him over in the Knights' Round 25 loss to the Bulldogs, Hodkinson was confident for the best possible outcome with his wrist.
"It's good to be here finally. I can't do a whole lot at the moment but it's good to get in the swing of things and get amongst the boys," Hodkinson said.
"I had the pins out [of my wrist] on Tuesday and I have a brace on for the next four weeks but the surgeon was very happy with the outcome so it's looking good.
"It's different, but exciting at the same time. It's a challenge and a new beginning and I'm out of my comfort zone a little bit but I'm looking forward to it. I just have to work hard to get back on track."
Coach Brown was confident Hodkinson's signing would prove to be the perfect foil for five-eighth and expected captain Jarrod Mullen.
