Despite all the off-season discussion in rugby league circles around George Rose’s move to Melbourne, the powerful forward is keen to earn his place as he embarks on a new challenge with Storm.
After seven years, 127 games and a premiership with Manly, Rose made the move south to Melbourne following the 2013 season.
Entering 2014, Storm’s squad has lost over 500 games experience with both Jason Ryles and Brett Finch retiring at the end of the 2013 campaign meaning Rose’s recruitment will be key to filling the void left by the experienced duo.
A colourful and much loved character off the park, Rose is keen to work hard and earn his place at his new club.
“To win a spot in this team is my main goal,” Rose said during pre-season.
“That’s the big thing for me at the moment, winning a spot in this team and then to win games with this team.”
Rose joined his new teammates in November, beginning a tough pre-season campaign and knows the hard work put in at training prior Round 1 will be beneficial in the long run.
“Its been tough, its very different to what I’ve had over the past years,” Rose said.
“They’re (pre-season training) the worst time of the year but you get the most results off the back of this.
“I think I’m going to get some really good results out of the training that we have been doing.”
George Rose during pre-season training with Melbourne.
Despite only being in Melbourne for a short time, the forward has already impressed with his new club and the opportunities given to the Storm playing group.
“It’s a very professional club,” Rose said.
“Everything that you need is here for you; recovery, training, skills, everything you want is available to you.
“I think its great because it gives you the best opportunity to be the best that you can.
“I like the attitude here, its been a very successful club for a long time and I’m hoping to get some success here too.”
Rose will get his first chance to impress in the Storm jersey on Saturday at AAMI Park when Melbourne take on Canberra in the club’s opening trial match of the year.
View the full team for Saturday's Trial match and watch the exclusive video from Craig Bellamy here.
