High-profile South Sydney import Sam Burgess is desperate to be part of a Rabbitohs renaissance, declaring the proud old club deserves a return to its glory days after four decades of failure.
The Bunnies won the last of their 20 premierships in 1971 and have made the finals just once since 1989 - the worst modern-day record in the NRL.
But with Burgess, rated one of the finest English players to arrive in Australia for decades, joining ex-Broncos power forward Dave Taylor at the club, expectations of a long overdue revival are high.
And 21-year-old Burgess wants to be at the forefront.
"I do know the history of the club over 100 years and I know the more recent history," he said on Thursday.
"Hopefully this is a new era for Souths. It's a new-look, young team and hopefully with (the help of) the experienced guys we can bring back a little bit of success to Souths."
"I think as a club they deserve it."
"That's the reason I signed for four years. I truly believe in what they want to achieve in the next few years."
"As a player I want to be part of that."
Burgess, who lists his first-season goals as simply to 'stay injury-free and play consistent football', will form part of a menacing looking forward pack.
Apart from the Englishman and Taylor, the Rabbitohs' pack boasts New Zealand internationals Roy Asotasi and Issac Luke, Queensland Origin hardman Michael Crocker and rising star Eddie Pettybourne.
"I'm pretty fortunate to be part of that pack. We've got some good young players and we've got some experience and I think that's a good recipe for a good year," Burgess said.
Burgess will spend time in a number of positions during the trials as coach John Lang works out best where to use him this year.
He will start at prop in Sunday's trial against Manly at Redfern Oval - the first time Souths supporters in the sell-out crowd will clap their eyes on the young Pom they are expecting big things from.
"I'm going to get a run in a few different spots and see which fits best for me and the team," he said.
"I will try and be leader for the time I'm out there on Sunday."
"I don't feel too much pressure (going into the season). I'm just going to try and go out there and enjoy my football and try and be injury-free and consistent."