New signing David Vaealiki says he is excited by the challenge of attempting to earn a spot in Manly's formidable line-up for 2008.
Vaealiki, a veteran of 93 NRL matches with the Eels, returns to Australia following a three-year-stint with English club giants Wigan, on a one-year deal with last season's grand finalists.
The 27-year-old was all but lost to the code having committed to play rugby union in France, but when his deal fell through at the eleventh-hour the dynamic centre jumped at the chance to join the Sea Eagles.
"I always wanted to come to the NRL, I always wanted to do my stint in England but it's been a great opportunity to be able to come back and try and prove myself again," Vaealiki said.
The former Kiwi international knows cementing a spot in the top-grade won't be easy with Queensland State of Origin centre Steve Bell and current Kiwi international Steve Matai already at the club.
"It's a strong side and there's going to be a lot of competition for places," he conceded.
But Vaealiki is confident he still has what it takes.
"I wouldn't come here if I didn't think I couldn't do it because I'd stay in Super League and go elsewhere but obviously it's a big challenge but it's something I always wanted to do," he said.
The move will see Vaealiki re-united with former Eels team-mate and current NSW No.3 Jamie Lyon, with the former centre-pairing almost certain to play alongside each other at some stage during the season.
"It would be really good to play with him (Lyon) and the things he can do always complement a centre or a winger so it would be excellent to play with him and hopefully we get that chance," Vaealiki said.
Manly coach Des Hasler predicted Vaealiki would prove an invaluable addition to his side.
"I think he's going to bring experience and certainly a lot of depth," Hasler said.
"He's a big-match player and obviously you'd like to think you'll come under the scrutineers of the rep season again next year."
"It always makes it hard when the Origin time comes around so he's just going to help our depth."