For the first time in three seasons, the New Zealand-born prop will be without the guidance of older brother Isaak, who - similarly to Leeson - departed from the Cowboys at the end of last year, to take up a post at Redcliffe in the Queensland Cup.

He lauded the Dragons playing group for their assistance so far in filling the void.

‘‘I was able to fulfil a dream and play with my brother in the NRL so it was pretty big for me and the Cowboys were great,’’ the 22-year-old said.

‘‘It’s pretty tough not seeing him every day, that was really good for me and I learned a lot from him.

‘‘All the boys have been good so far since arriving, trying to help me out and make the move a bit easier.’’

The 2010 Cowboys’ Rookie of the Year said there were clear advantages to signing with the Dragons.

‘‘It was a bit fortunate because there were some good young rookies,’’ Ah Mau said of his 2010 accolade.

‘‘I came to the Dragons because it was obvious they were a great team and club.

‘‘For sure, coming here I’ve learned a lot already and it’s a bit different from the Cowboys where I was always sitting back and not really confident.’’

Ah Mau will likely start his season in NSW Cup, where he hopes solid performances will earn him a first grade berth, to add to his 35 NRL appearances.