Andrew McCullough expects Ben Hunt's presence to expedite his bid to settle in fast at St George Illawarra after joining the club just three weeks before the season starts.
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McCullough got through his return match unscathed on Thursday night, playing 20 minutes in the Dragons' pre-season NRL trial loss to Parramatta.
That came just two days after he touched down in Sydney to link with the club after being released by Brisbane earlier this week.
But working in his favour is the fact he joins a spine full of ex-Broncos under former Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin.
McCullough and Hunt played 168 games together at the Broncos, including the ride to the 2015 grand final.
Corey Norman also played alongside the pair between 2010 and 2013, making life easier again for the 31-year-old McCullough.
"The ball stuff and combinations won't take as long because I've played with Benny and Normy a fair bit," McCullough said.
"The Benny one will be easy for me and Normy as well.
"We've been together since we were 11. That will click into gear a lot quicker than the forwards.
"It helps having Hook (Griffin) as the coach as well."
Hunt has been helping McCullough feel at home off the field as much as he has on it.
McCullough's wife will remain in Brisbane for another three months completing a floristry course, with the player living in an apartment in Wollongong in the meantime.
But with a three-year deal on the table and the chance to take his career into a 16th year, McCullough said there was never a second thought about moving down.
"There will be tough times," McCullough said.
"But I've got Hook, I've got Benny and Normy. I haven't gone to somewhere I don't know anyone.
"It could be a lot worse."
Australian Associated Press
