It has been a couple since he burst onto the scene with the Rabbitohs in 2017 - playing 15 games as a centre-back-rower under Michael Maguire.

He came into 2018 looking to build on his debut campaign but dislocated his toe - remarkably playing on - in round two, ruling him out for the bulk of the season.

He returned to the family home when he signed with Penrith for the 2019 season but made just seven top-grade appearances and was part of a mass exodus from the club at season's end.

It's seen him link with the Dragons on a two-year deal and with a point to prove.

"I've had a lot of injuries and a lot of speed humps in my career," he said.

"It was frustrating, I'd get over one [injury] and then another incident would happen. It was really tough and challenging mentally but I'm really happy I've got the opportunity to come down here and play footy.

"I thought the two years [contract] would bring a bit of stability and a give me a good opportunity to find my feet again.

"Hopefully the worst is over now and I can put a big preseason in and hopefully play a consistent season."

It comes after what he admits was a somewhat reluctant departure from the Panthers.

"I would've liked to stay but things just didn't work out," he said.

"I'm a Penrith junior, my whole family lives in Western Sydney, I grew up there so it would've been nice [to stay] but unfortunately it wan't the case.

"I have to seize my opportunities where they come and now I'm down here and I'm going to make the most of it."

Adept in multiple positions, the 23-year-old has spent the bulk of his training time in the back row.

"So far I've mostly been in the back but I'm never going to turn down the chance to play no matter what position it is," he said.

"At the moment I'm mostly playing in the back row, learning as much as I can from Tariq [Sims] and Tys [Frizell] and taking it all on board.

"A lot of people might have seen coming here as a negative but I see it as a positive to have two older more experienced guys to learn from."