St George Illawarra recruits Darren Nicholls and Ben Hunt will soon link up for their third pre-season together ahead of the 2018 NRL Telstra Premiership season.
Nicholls and Hunt participated in the 2015 and 2016 pre-season together at the Brisbane Broncos.
Although the Holy Cross Rhinos junior played out the majority of the 2015 season with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Nicholls and Hunt have shared many hours on the training paddock together.
Hunt is expected to report to his first official day at the Dragons in first week of January following his selection in Australia's victorious 2017 Rugby League World Cup campaign.
"I've trained with Ben over the past few years now and he’s a good bloke. I get along with him really well. I’m really looking forward to training with him again and hopefully playing alongside of him," Nicholls said.
"The way that he (Hunt) finished off the year showed he's a real running half and explosive.
"Ben led the Broncos for many years so I think he’ll do a great job down here in the 'Gong."
The 28-year-old Nicholls was also under no illusions about where he stood in the pecking order following Hunt's arrival and skipper Gareth Widdop's outstanding season.
"Obviously I’ll be behind them with them being two very good halves," Nicholls admitted.
"I'll ply my trade in the reggies (Intrust Super Premiership) to start off with. I'll work closely with them (Hunt and Widdop) and take on their style of play.
"From there, I'll hopefully be able to fill their spots whenever required."
