Manly winger David Williams says he isn't losing sleep over his poor 2013 grand final performance, while also brushing any concerns over Manly's new-look roster.
"It was a game of football. Not my best. Obviously not the best time to have your worst game of the season," Williams told reporters at a club event from Bayview Golf Club.
But Williams said there were also plenty of positives from 2013.
"There was a lot to take out of last year, with the improvement to my game and playing the most games I've ever played in a season. There's only forward to go, and I'm just looking at improving."
Manly coach Geoff Toovey also said the winger's confidence remained intact.
"He's a very confident young man, he doesn't let those sort of things bring him down if you know his personality," Toovey said. "Both our wingers were top try scorers last year [Williams and Jorge Taufua each scored 20 tries, from 27 and 26 games respectively] and we expect him to be doing the same this year."
In a comical interview in which Williams repeatedly referred to his new alter ego, the mulleted Randy Lee, he said there is no reason Manly can't go one step further in 2014 despite some ageing players and the loss of some experienced front rowers.
"You see how much teams change year to year and we're certainly looking forward to not only taking on a new year but hopefully going one step further," he said.
"It was the same thing last year, we were all too old and too far gone to do anything with our season and we went as far as the grand final.
"As for a few blokes leaving - it happens every year, you lose a few but you gain a few young blokes and it puts a bit more energy into the squad. And we've got a great squad this year."
Williams said he was looking forward to Round 1 and the opportunity to keep improving from last season.
"You're always excited for the first game of the season because you don't have to deal with [Manly strength and conditioning coach] Donny Singe and his fitness drills for much longer. [I'm] just looking forward to getting back out there and improving on last year and seeing how far I can go.
"I played 27 games or something last season which seems normal to everyone else but for me it was like double my average. [The body is] feeling great, it's always improving, just looking after all the injuries and getting on top of them."
