St George Illawarra Dragons centre Levi Dodd admits he will do all he can for his new teammates ahead of the new season.
The local Hurstville United junior recently agreed to terms on a one-year contract having previously been part of the successful Illawarra Cutters squad which won both the NSW Cup Premiership and NRL State Championship last season.
Dodd, who was additionally named the recipient of the 2016 Cutters Coaches Award, also explains how he changed his philosophy on rugby league which eventuated in him earning a first-grade contract.
“I’m quite keen to start my training as well as everything else that comes with it,” said Dodd.
“My goals are to win the physical battles as well as the mental ones when times are tough and you need to keep plodding along.
“As long as I keep doing my job come the trials I’m sure my body should be at its best which is my main goal.
“I put down last season’s success with the Cutters down to the bond that we had amongst the playing group and it showed in both grand final appearances.
“I believe you need to put your body on the line for that person next to you on the field and being willing to do whatever it takes for your teammates.
“Whether it be the first minute or last minute of the game, just showing up was my main thing.
“I won’t be as nervous heading into the pre-season knowing a few familiar faces but it gives me the chance as well of meeting new people.
“Throughout all my years playing football all I’ve ever wanted was to get a first-grade contract and I feel I wasn’t playing my best footy because of that.
“Last year was probably my first year I just played footy because I was enjoying it and personally I think that if you are enjoying it, like in anything you love, you just can’t wait to keep on doing it.
“That was the case last season as I couldn’t wait to get back out on that field and being excited to play with the person next to me.
“That’s what mattered to me and the rewards came and I played good footy as well.”
