Wests Tigers recruit Jayden ‘Bud’ Sullivan has admitted he had to overcome “cold feet” after signing a four-year deal with the club.
Sullivan, a Wollongong native who began his career with the Dragons, initially struggled with the move to Sydney before pre-season training even took place.
“When I first moved up to Sydney I got homesick after the first day and that was two weeks before pre-season even started, so I just went back home and slept on my sister’s lounge for two weeks,” he told 9News Sydney.
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“I was getting cold feet and I hadn’t even started training.
“Once I got into training, I was around my manager being comfortable and then once I met all the boys I felt like I was at home and like I was meant to be there.”
The 22-year-old halfback, who began his NRL career with the Dragons said his “childhood hero”, Tigers coach Benji Marshall, was a huge drawcard.
“I had a look at the Tigers facilities and it all happened pretty fast, the next day I was at the Tigers,” he said.
“He (Marshall) was everyone’s childhood hero growing up … and personally I just wanted an opportunity as well.
“I want to play some footy and I feel like he’s going to lead me in the right direction.
“He’s done everything in the game. He’s been one of the best players and now he’s dipping his feet into coaching and I’m keen to learn alongside him.”
The Tigers are widely expected to land premiership-winning Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai, and Sullivan said he is keen to play alongside the potential million-dollar man.
”He’s won three premierships and played for New South Wales, so if I’m going to learn off him, I’m going to learn off him,” he said.
“But I’m welcoming to anyone I’m going to play alongside. 100 per cent I want to play the No.7.”