It has been just over two month since Jack Stockwell joined the Newcastle Knights, but he is feeling settled at his new Club and eager to don the red and blue in 2015.
It has been a solid pre-season for the 22-year-old since arriving from the St George Illawarra Dragons in November, while also getting to know his new teammates.
“I think it’s gone really well so far and am loving learning off the older boys like Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith and (Kade) Snowy,” Stockwell told Knights TV this week.
“It’s also good to learn from Rick Stone as well.
“I think he’s been a great coach in the pre-season and I’m looking forward to working with him throughout the season to see what we can do."
Stockwell has drawn plenty of similarities between coastal Newcastle and his former home in Woolongong and believes this has allowed for a smoother transition.
“All the boys have been great and showed me around, showed me the ropes and what there is to do in Newcastle,” the young forward said.
“I’ve been very appreciative of the boys and have settled in."
The Picton Magpies junior spent his Christmas break with his family on the South Coast before returning to the second stretch of pre-season training on Monday.
“The sessions have been pretty tough, obviously after the Christmas break, everyone would have enjoyed themselves,” he said.
“It’s good to get back into training for the 2015 season so the past two days have been great.
“You have to do a little bit over the Christmas break, you can relax and enjoy yourself, but you still have to do some extras by yourself to keep yourself in form and come back not in too bad shape.”
One of the first opportunities for Stockwell to play for the Knights will be the Auckland Nines tournament at month's end and he already he has set his sight on being selected.
“I didn’t get to play last year so I really want to get a crack at it this year,” he said.
“I watched all the re-runs on Fox the other day, so I’m pretty pumped for it and would love to play.
“There’s some healthy competition for spots. It’s a great concept and I think the boys will enjoy playing in it.”
