Rabbitohs recruit Robert Jennings says his new club's rich history and a host of big names like Sam Burgess and Greg Inglis made his off-season decision to switch from Penrith to Redfern an easy one.
Speaking to NRL.com ahead of the Rabbitohs' Round 5 Telstra Premiership clash with the Cowboys, the talented three-quarter said he was still pinching himself to have even played one NRL game for the famous club.
"I was hoping to get a crack [in first grade this year] but I was surprised when I got picked in Round 2," Jennings said.
"I'm just grateful. Hopefully I can play good footy and keep that spot."
Asked about the decision to join Souths, Jennings said the history was the first thing he thought of.
"You hear so much about it. And just to see how strong they are as a club, their rep players such as Greggy [Inglis]. I wanted to play alongside players like them," he said.
"Being able to play alongside Sam Burgess, John Sutton, it's a dream come true. Just playing one game, that's good enough for me, at least I get to play alongside them.
"Like I said it's a dream come true, it sort of hasn't sunk in yet. I still pinch myself a bit."
After being selected to replace fellow centre Sifa Talakai after an opening round loss (though he now partners Talakai in the centres with Hymel Hunt suspended), Jennings said he still had a lot to learn.
"Everything's been good so far but I've got a lot more to learn. 'Madge' (coach Michael Maguire) has taught me a lot. To play with players like Sammy Burgess helps a lot."
Jennings wasn't given any specific reason why he was brought in after not being selected for Round 1.
"[Maguire] just wanted me to fill in that spot and if I get offered the opportunity I'm going to take it. I was lucky enough to get that call and take it."
His club debut was a winning one, scoring a try in a big win over Manly at Lottoland.
"I was lucky to get a try in my debut game with the Rabbitohs which was good. I'm just slowly looking for that ball but like I said it's great being up there and playing first grade."
