What have you done to counter teams coming after you now?
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We've got to go after teams. I think that's the way we're going to look at it. We've got to attack teams who are going to attack us. Our mentality last year was real tough, gritty, work-for-each-other mentality and it's just got to be that, but better. They're going to hunt us so we've got to hunt them. We're ready for them to come after us. We haven't shied away from the fact we're going to be hunted this year. We've just got to focus on us and do what we do well. We know our game plan. We know what brings us success and we know what brings us that mentality in defence.
What effect has the grand final had on the group?
I think it will be a positive one. Definitely hungry. Having that little taste of it all. It's obviously not enjoyable to talk about the grand final ... but it doesn't come around too often. That makes you want to be there again, makes you hungry. We're not kidding ourselves, we know it's going to be hard work and a lot harder than last year to get back there. That fire in the belly's certainly amongst the whole playing group and staff included - probably more so some staff members than others. The boys are excited. We've got that hard work and desire and attitude again. We're ready for it.
Was changing halves a risky policy after making the grand final?
The Roosters have done it. You've got to change at some point. It's just the way the industry is. You're going to lose players, players are going to come and go. With success it makes it even harder to keep the same side, doesn't it? Sezer's a good mate of ours. Unfortunately Seze's had to move on and George has come in and fit in really well. We're confident with the squad we've got going into 2020, we've been training accordingly and the boys are looking forward to getting out there [Friday].
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How long do you want to play for?
I want to play for as long as I can, but ... if I was ever no good I'd hate to bring the jersey down. I'm still only 29. Being in the new facility with the centre of excellence there with the recovery set up we have there and just the whole facility in general, I'm really excited about using that and having it all first hand - your recovery, your ice baths, your cryo, massage, physios all in the one place. I'm really hoping that'll give me a little boost. I'd love to play til I was 40 if I could, but the reality is you can't.
What's your thoughts on becoming a dad?
Very excited. It's that time of your life where all your friends are doing it as well, which is good. A lot of the boys here have got kids. I'm one of the only ones who doesn't. Me and Elliott out of the older boys to be honest. Brittney's doing really well. I think we're about 24 weeks or so I think it's about the middle of June. I'm very excited, Brittney's excited, all the family's excited. It hasn't really sunk in yet, she's starting to get a little bit of a bump, but I'm sure setting up a cot and stuff it will start sinking in a bit.