New Manly five-eighth Kane Elgey just wants to 'enjoy' his footy again.
And the talented playmaker is already feeling positive vibes after a month of pre-season training with the Sea Eagles.
Elgey exploded onto the NRL scene in 2015. His debut year saw him cross for six tries in 16 games for the Gold Coast Titans, ending in a Prime Minister's XIII jersey. A year earlier, Elgey was named the NYC Player of the Year.
Life for the Tugun Seahawks junior seemed to be travelling smoothly for Elgey. That was until he suffered an ACL injury at the Titans' first training session in January 2016, ruling him out for the year.
Two months later, the Titans re-signed him to the end of the 2018 season, such was their belief in Elgey's talents
However, he played just 30 NRL games over the last two seasons. And the more time he spent playing in the Intrust Qld competition, Elgey knew he was not in the Titans' plans for 2019.
After nine years with the Titans, Elgey needed a fresh start. It came in the form of a two-year deal from the Sea Eagles.
"I was in my comfort zone up there. I first signed with the Titans at the age of 15,'' Elgey said.
"And that's the biggest thing I've experienced down here. I'm not in my comfort zone anymore and that's a very good thing for me.
"I wasn't playing well on the Gold Coast and I was happy to come here in search of a new start.
"People forget that I am only 24 and that my game is still developing."
A change in scenery, new team-mates, and an experienced Head Coach in Des Hasler has him feeling very optimistic.
"The boys are all quality blokes,'' Elgey said.
"As for Des, I can why people have called him 'The Scientist'. I have never experienced someone as smart as him.
"Technically, he is very impressive. He knows what he is doing and has been around the game for a long time.
"He is so passionate about Manly. It is going to be good to learn off him."
Although touted as the main Sea Eagles signing for 2019, Elgey sees it differently as he strives to secure a starting position at five-eighth alongside Australian half-back Daly Cherry-Evans.
Elgey has played 46 NRL games with 15 tries to his name. He also has a strike-rate of 79 per cent as a goal-kicker.
"The goal is to play with Daly. There is some competition here in the halves so it is going to be a tough pre-season. I have to prove a point,'' Elgey said.
"I am in a position where there are three or four players who can play in that number six jersey in round one. As I said, I have to prove a point and if I get my chance, hopefully, I can stay there."
Elgey smiles when he speaks of playing behind a strong Sea Eagles pack headed by the likes of internationals Martin Taupau, Addin Fonua-Blake, and Jake Trbojevic.
"They are big boys but they are skilful, and that's pretty hard to come by,'' Elgey added.
"We can still go forward. And then you have someone like Jake who can ball play like an extra half.
"That is exciting for me as it means we can throw the ball around. The size of our forwards is certainly a big advantage.
"I feel I do play my best footy when there is someone like Daly who will be able to control everything, and I can just play off the cuff."
As for that enjoyment factor, Elgey remains philosophical.
"In 12 months when I look back on my first season here at Manly, I'm hoping I can say I enjoyed the year,'' he added.
"I know it sounds a bit silly but that's the honest truth. I can't say I have enjoyed myself over the last two years."
