Mark Minichiello and Gold Coast Titans seemed forever entwined but the 33-year-old insists he looks back with no regrets after a promising start to life in Hull.
When Minichiello departed the Gold Coast last year it marked the end of an era for the Titans, the only player left over from their inaugural season in 2007 other than the retiring Luke Bailey.
But after three Super League rounds so far signs suggest there's plenty of life left in the forward, still a force to be reckoned with and yet to miss a minute on the pitch.
Hull FC though have lurched between the menacing and mediocre - their loss at the previously-winless Salford Red Devils last weekend blotting a win at Huddersfield Giants and a powerful display against Warrington Wolves, whom they lost to by a single point.
Next are perennial challengers Leeds Rhinos and Minichiello is confident he can teach them a trick or two.
"It was a massive decision to leave Gold Coast, I spent the last eight years there and I was really settled but I just thought it was time to make a change," said Minichiello.
"Change can refresh you, give you a new perspective on the sport you love. Lee (Radford) has started building Hull as a club and I could see it was going to be a strong roster with the right mix of youth and experience.
"I play full-hearted for every minute of the game and I think I'm playing as well as I ever have done - no worse than I did four or five years ago.
"My body feels great and as they say, age is only a number. I've played at the highest level for a long time and that's not going to change.
"I'm happy with my performances so far and hopefully we can keep building."
Salford owe much of their win over Hull to the audacious skills of Rangi Chase yet the former St George Illawarra Dragon is not letting that performance go to his head.
The 28-year-old set up four of Salford's six tries in the 32-28 win, including magical sleight of hand and a behind-the-back flick to put through Josh Griffin.
However, Chase says there is still much for him to work on ahead of their clash at Catalans Dragons on Saturday.
"The only way I could pass the ball was to flick it behind my back," said Chase.
"I am flattered to be honest. I do it at training, so without being big-headed, I know I can do it. It is humbling though.
"But I made a few mistakes in the game that could have gone the other way. I'm not kidding myself by saying it's my best game."
Meanwhile another Aussie forward has settled into the city of Hull just fine after KR prop Adam Walker admitted his blossoming relationship with Mitch Allgood is reaping dividends.
Allgood, who left Parramatta Eels in November, helped Hull KR pick up their first win of the season with a try-scoring performance over Wigan Warriors - though the challenge gets no easier with a trip to Wolves next up on Sunday.
"I get on well with Mitch," Walker said. "We are always talking about our games and how we can help the team win and it's great working with him.
"Warrington are another tough side so we'll look forward to playing another aggressive team."
Thursday
Hull FC v Leeds Rhinos
Friday
Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors
Huddersfield Giants v Widnes Vikings
Wakefield Wildcats v St Helens
Saturday
Catalans Dragons v Salford Red Devils
Sunday
Warrington Wolves v Hull KR
Source: AFP
