Former Raiders player Shaun Fensom is excited to be a part of the North Queensland Cowboys squad, less than a week before the Cowboys face the Green Machine in Townsville.
Fensom won Canberra's Meninga Medal for player of the year on two occasions, but was squeezed out of the first grade side in 2016 before making the move to the Cowboys.
Despite being such an experienced forward, Fensom is unsure of his position in the team as the side prepare for their Round 1 assignment.
"I just want to play the best footy I can and do whatever role the coaches want me to do and bring a little bit of experience... and just help out where I can," Fensom said on Monday.
Fensom acknowledged that he has tough competition at the Cowboys with the likes of Coen Hess, Patrick Kaufusi and Sam Hoare having stepped up a level throughout the trial matches.
"They've got a very talented squad here it's going to be tough but I'll do everything I can to break into that squad.
"It would be very exciting to run out against [the Raiders] but we'll see how we go... this is my first day ay training."
Even if he doesn't play on Saturday night Fensom will undoubtedly bring his knowledge of the Raiders to his new team, having already spoken to coach Paul Green.
"I'll give him a few tips, I know all the players... I know all the calls, I spoke to him last night about a couple of them, but I won't give too much away to the cameras."
Cowboys co-captain Johnathan Thurston is happy to have Fensom as a part of the squad ahead of their season opener.
"He's obviously a tough player. He loves to tackle, loves to run the ball, loves the physical side of it so he'll add a lot to us in that middle third," Thurston said.
"He's a great player and obviously a better bloke too which is what you try and attract to your club."
Thurston also praised the added flexibility that Fensom brings to the club in the forward pack.
"A lot of people have been saying that's where we lack a bit of depth, but I'm pretty comfortable with the squad that we've got moving forward and he'll add depth there.
"We'll have our work cut out for us on Saturday night, they (Canberra) were one game away from playing in the final. There's big hopes for the Raiders this year and it'll be a good start for us."
