Off the back of a successful four-year campaign playing in the English Super League, the Newcastle Knights' new recruit Mickey Paea is pleased to be making a timely return to the NRL.
The 29-year-old prop is confident he has plenty to add to the team after the valuable experience overseas.
“I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity to come back to the NRL,” Paea said fresh from finishing the challenging beep test at the Knights’ first pre-season training session on Thursday.
“It’s been a good four years in the UK and I feel like I’ve really benefitted from being over there.
“The timing is good and when the opportunity presented itself, I happily took it with two hands."
Paea, who made his first grade debut with the Sydney Roosters in 2005, is eager to contribute to the team and says he’ll bring enthusiasm and power to the Knights' forward pack.
“There’s a lot of talented young kids coming through and some older senior guys who will help steady that ship,” he adde.
“Hopefully I can add to that with my experience and better go forward in the middle," he said.
Paea was positive about his new start in the red and blue as well as Nathan Brown’s direction for the Club approaching the 2016 season.
“I’m happy to be back in the system and there’s a good bunch of boys here,” he added.
“Over time if I can find my role within the squad and settle in, I think I’ll be able to play some good footy.”
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