Forward Matt Lodge is one of the most controversial signings in NZ Warriors history, but he insists he's ready to put his best foot forward for his new club.
Last week's announcement that Lodge had signed a two-year deal with the Auckland NRL side was met with some concern by the fanbase, in light of the Aussie's troubled past.
In 2015, Lodge was arrested and charged with assault for an incident in New York City, which resulted in an immediate sacking by Wests Tigers, before being cleared to return to the NRL in 2017.
Fresh from his first training with his new teammates, the Sydney native says he's learned to deal with that negative perception.
"I'm pretty used to that by now," Lodge says. "I don't think there's a club in the competition I could sign with and someone wouldn't be unhappy about it."
Former Warriors enforcer Kevin Campion has been among those sceptical of Lodge's addition.
"This decision will not improve us," Campion tweets. "We should be looking at players to build our culture around - Lodge is not that player.
"Lodge is not a winner. He does not know how to win.
"He does not know how to lead. He does not lead by his actions on the field."
Well used to dealing with such opinions, Lodge hopes his play can sway some of those who believe he doesn't belong within the Warriors' family-friendly culture.
"It is what it is, there's going to be those people everywhere. Apologies to them, but I'm not going to stop my career and hold back that because of an opinion.
"Hopefully my performances can help them overlook that."
Lodge joins the Warriors from Brisbane Broncos, who granted him an early release from his contract - meaning a salary cap-friendly deal for his new side, who'll only have to pay half his reported $800,000 per year rate.
After almost making the move during pre-season, the 26-year-old admits he likely wouldn't have joined the club, if it weren't for a family connection. Warriors recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan is the father of Lodge's partner, Jessica.
"To be honest, I think that's a bit of a connection for me," Lodge says. "I probably wouldn't have come over here, if it wasn't for him being here.
"[The club] is not somewhere that naturally would be my first choice, but I have a lot of trust in [O'Sullivan], and his resume and footy smarts have been quite successful.
"He stepped out of the negotiations with me and it was done with the CEO [Cam George] for obvious reasons, but it feels a lot better coming in here at half price than the full wicker, a bit less pressure, because of the father-in-law."
The opportunity to galvanise an already formidable forward pack is also appealing, says Lodge, who's kept a close eye on the Warriors' misfortunes, noting their string of closely fought losses.
"I think they've lost six games within six points, in golden point or in the last minute.
"It shows they're not far away. They haven't been getting flogged, like a lot of teams out there.
"I think they've been doing well and they're kind of having one of those seasons where they could be coming fourth or fifth, not 12th like they are, so that's a bit disappointing.
"But I think they're on the up - the side is getting better and better - and that was part of the reason I decided to come here."
Either way, the powerhouse prop promises to bring his no-frills approach to rugby league, which is founded on eating metres and a bottomless gas tank.
"I'm going to run hard, bro, that's all you need to know."
Lodge will likely make his club debut against Cronulla Sharks at Jubilee Stadium on Sunday.
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