Sea Eagles recruit Marty Taupau's decision to sign with the club was about family and not because of the state of his old club the Wests Tigers.
Having signed with Manly while on the Kiwis' tour of England, Taupau credited the Tigers for the opportunity to become a regular first grader and a Kiwi international, having debuted and played nine times for New Zealand since joining the club in 2014.
Speaking at his first official duty as a Sea Eagle upon returning from England on Wednesday, Taupau labelled former coach Jason Taylor as a "mate".
"My decision [to join Manly] was based on my family. I have a very young family and a career in football isn't long so I took that into account. You have to play your cards smart," Taupau said.
"At the end of the day you have to look after your family and that's what I've done. I looked at the bigger picture and it's what best suited myself not only as a player but as a person and a family man.
"Being a part of the Tigers for the past two years, they have been professional in every way possible. They have stuck to their guns and haven't cracked.
"Football aside, JT [Taylor] is a mate. If he needs anything then I'm more than happy to help out. I'm not disappointed [with how it ended either], not at all.
"I was given an opportunity and I made the most of it at the Tigers. I was very grateful for everything they done for me and my family. I've grown as a player and a person and I thank them."
Taupau had "mixed emotions" about how his contract with the Sea Eagles was revealed.
Back in October a Canadian film critic with a name similar to Sea Eagles CEO Joe Kelly had Taupau's four-year contract emailed to him by accident, which he proceeded to reveal on Twitter.
"What happened was funny at the time but for me being on tour my main focus was to play well for the Kiwis especially England being a tough squad and having a very good forward pack," Taupau said.
"I had mixed emotions about it all. But I'm happy to say that I'm putting on the maroon and white and become part of the Bird Gang at Manly."
