What a difference a year makes.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This time 12 months ago, the Newcastle Knights were welcoming so many new faces they almost needed a roll call.
But yesterday, when the Knights held an induction session for their 2009 imports, there were only four in attendance: hookers Isaac De Gois (Cronulla) and George Ndaira (South Sydney), utility back Ben Rogers (St George Illawarra) and fullback Jimmy Fawcett (Canterbury).
The quartet were given a guided tour of Newcastle's administrative offices in Turton Road and then the club's state-of-the-art gymnasium and training field at Wests Mayfield.
They will get to meet their new teammates except those involved in the World Cup when the Knights' pre-season training schedule kicks off on Monday.
Born and bred in Sydney, Ndaira has played for three different clubs the Dragons, Roosters and Souths in the past three seasons and admitted he was excited about the prospect of a new lifestyle and on-field opportunities.
Having played alongside fellow ex-Dragons Wes Naiqama, Chris Houston and Danny Wicks, the 23-year-old was confident it would not take long before he was feeling at home.
"I played with Wes in the same club football team when we were younger, and knowing a few of the boys should make the transition a bit easier," he said.
"It's my first time out of Sydney, so it should be a good change.
"All the reports I've had, everyone loves it here, so I'm really looking forward to it."
Of the four newcomers, Fawcett is the only one not to have played first grade.
He has been offered a two-year deal after showing potential in the Bulldogs' Toyota Cup team last season, scoring 15 tries in 20 games.
Joining the Knights is something of a homecoming for the 191-centimetre fullback, who grew up on the Central Coast and attended Hunter Sports High School.