Mbye relishing switch to fullback

Moses Mbye has welcomed the challenge of switching to fullback under new Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs coach Dean Pay.

As revealed by NRL.com, Pay is set to start Mbye in the No.1 jersey with Tongan representative Will Hopoate shifting to the centres.

The move accommodates for the departure of Brenko Lee, who was released to the Gold Coast Titans on Thursday.

"It's a big move," Mbye told NRL.com.

"I've done a few training sessions at the back so far. Under the high ball will be one aspect to the challenge but it's only a small one.

"It will be more the positional stuff and learning the game from there. We'll go through pre-season trials in February and get a good gauge of how I'm going and what we're going to do."

He's grown up playing for the Bulldogs and is bringing that to the culture now.

Moses Mbye on Dean Pay

Former Bulldogs fullback Ben Barba made a similar transition into the No.1 jersey after starting out with stints on the bench and in the centres early in his career.

He eventually churned out 72 tries in 97 appearances at the club.

Mbye admits his performances as a playmaker have been inconsistent but after conversations with Pay, he is comfortable enough to make the positional switch.

"I hadn't met Dean prior to his appointment in September," Mbye said.

"There have been a few question marks alongside my name for a couple of years with what position suits me and my playing style.

"The role I was playing as a halfback is the pinnacle of domestic rugby league and you've got to wear the pressure with it. You put yourself under pressure to perform and be successful.

"He's now got a new job for me and has let me know what he wants me to do. I've just got to keep learning and apply myself the best I can."

The 24-year-old said the players had been notably relaxed since Pay's arrival.

"He knows what it's about," Mbye said.

"He's grown up playing for the Bulldogs and is bringing that to the culture now. It's a clean slate, he doesn't owe a player anything. It's all cut-throat and we're all trying to get a position.

"It's certainly a happy camp, it makes it enjoyable to turn up in the morning."