New Bulldogs recruit Dylan Napa has opened up on the decision to head to Belmore after six years at the Roosters.
The Queensland representative was brought to Canterbury as a replacement for prop David Klemmer who requested a release to join Newcastle.
Napa, 26, heads to the Bulldogs on a three-year deal and says he's keen to get to work at his new club.
MORE: Shaun Johnson confirms New Zealand Warriors contract reports
"I'm just keen to earn the respect from Josh Jackson and the fellow playing group," Napa told the club website .
"It's a good opportunity for myself and my family for me to build as a player and a leader in Belmore and I'm just super excited at the opportunity I've been given."
The front-rower was contracted to the Roosters for 2019 but the club reportedly couldn't guarantee he would be offered an extension at the end of next season.
That saw the enforcer explore other options, and with the Dogs keen to replace Blues and Kangaroos prop Klemmer, Napa became a Bulldog.
Easts Group CEO Scott Bennetts discussed the release in a statement.
"We have granted this release with the view that it is in Dylan’s best interests to secure his long-term future," Bennetts said.
He played 122 first-grade games with the Roosters since his 2013 debut, most recently coming off the bench in their grand final win over Melbourne.
His aggressive approach has seen him dominate some of the competition's best forward packs, though has also landed him in hot water on several occasions.
Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough was the most recent victim of an ugly head-first tackle, though Napa said he's not about to change his style of play.
"We haven't really spoken that much about on field yet but (coach Dean Pay) just said to be myself as a player and I don't have to play as anyone else but Dylan Napa which is really exciting as a player to hear from a coach," Napa said.
"That's one of the main reasons for coming here - as a challenge to myself. The first challenge is to earn the respect from the playing group and then we'll go from there.
"I'm super excited to get in there and get on the field with them and hopefully learn from them."
