HEATH L’Estrange doesn’t mind hitting the training paddock in 30-plus degree temperatures in Wollongong.

In fact he says it’s a welcome relief from the conditions he became accustom to during four years playing rugby league in England.

‘‘ I’ve been to West Northshire and that’s tough, off-seasons are tough there,’’ L’Estrange said.

‘‘You’re in minus 10 degrees, snow coming horizontal at you.

‘‘To be here in 30 degree heat right next to the beach, it’s not a bad life.

‘‘If I can push myself in these conditions then I’ll be the best player I can.’’

L’Estrange is fast settling into his new life at St George Illawarra after signing a one-year contract with the club last month.

And while he hasn’t been told by new coach Paul McGregor exactly what his role will be during the 2015 season, he is intent on doing everything in his power to earn selection for round one.

The experienced rake comes to the Dragons with an impressive playing resume, which includes a decade at the top level and an NRL premiership ring from Manly’s 2008 victory.

He has spent time at the Sea Eagles, Roosters, and Bradford Bulls in the UK Super League.

Now he wants to pass some knowledge on to the young Dragons roster.

‘‘Young kids keep me young,’’ L’Estrange said.

‘‘Really enjoying it, they’ve really taken me in.

‘‘I think the majority of them are all local boys, they’re all from around here.

‘‘From the first week they’ve been telling me and my wife where we can stay, there’s nice beaches, kid-friendly and nice staff, so everyone’s looked after us.’’

L’Estrange says he will start setting personal goals closer to the New Year but will no doubt want to better his five first grade appearances for the Roosters this year.

The Dragons endured one of their warmest pre-season training runs since returning to work when they sweated it out at WIN Stadium last Friday.

Among the new faces was NRL cult hero George Rose, who was thrown a lifeline by St George Illawarra after a ‘‘disappointing’’ season down in Melbourne.

Rose played just nine games for the Storm and is putting the hard yards in at training to impress McGregor and his new teammates.

‘‘The best thing is you have the beach right out the back so you can go for a dip after the session,’’ Rose said.

‘‘I was a bit disappointed with my season last year and I’m looking forward to going a lot better next year.

‘‘I want to be playing consistently good footy and winning games, I love winning footy games so that’s what I want to do.’’

The Dragons will welcome their Four Nations players back shortly and begin ramping up preparations for the trip to the UK in February for the World Club Challenge.