Tuesday 12 July 2016 17:56, UK
Frank Paul Nu'uausala ignored the advice of his best friend Sia Soliola in opting to sign for Wigan.
The New Zealand international forward has joined the Warriors on a three-and-a-half-year deal from Canberra Raiders and could make his debut in Friday's Super League Grand Final re-match with Leeds at Headingley, live on Sky Sports.
Wigan faced competition for the man dubbed the "wrecking ball" from arch rivals St Helens, who had past and present players Soliola and Lama Tasi pushing their case.
In the end, Nu'uausala was swayed by two former Wigan players and Kiwi international team-mates Jeff Lima and Thomas Leuluai and by the the club's famous name.
"There was a bit of interest there (St Helens) but they just didn't pull through really," Nu'uausala told his first press conference at Wigan's training centre.
"It was just all talk. With Wigan it was all action. I just had to weigh up my options and decide what's best for me and my family.
"Sia wanted me to play for Saints and when he found out I was going to sign for Wigan he was giving me some stick but I also got advice from Jeff Lima and Thomas Leuluai about Wigan and I'm hundred per cent happy I chose Wigan.
"They told me about the winning culture and the proud fans. When I was a kid I remember seeing Dean Bell and Frano Botica and Wigan were always on the telly because they were winning trophies."
Wigan's lengthy injury list could see Nu'uausala rushed into a debut against the Rhinos despite only arriving in the country on Monday.
The 29-year-old has not played in three months after being dropped by Canberra coach Ricky Stuart, but he says it will not take much time for him to be in playing shape.
"I had my first session today (Tuesday)," he said. "I'm feeling a bit tired. I'll take it day by day.
"I really do want to play but I know, if I'm not right, I'm not going to put my hand up and disrespect that jersey. I don't want to let anyone down in my first game.
"If I'm ready to play this week, I will but if not I'll definitely be ready to play next week."
