High-profile Cronulla recruit Josh Morris says a desire to return to finals football was the driving force behind his move to the Sharks on a two-year deal.
The former Canterbury Bulldogs, NSW and Australia centre, who began pre-season training with the Sharks this week, has not featured in the playoffs since 2016.
Forced out of Canterbury alongside brother Brett due to salary cap constraints, the 32-year-old Morris' sights are now set on September success with Cronulla as he chases an elusive premiership during the twilight of his glittering career.
MORE: Sin bin shot clock to be considered for 2019 NRL season
"I would like to play finals football – it's something that we didn't do this year at the Dogs. That was one of the big reasons coming across," Morris told Sharks Media.
" I still feel like I've got some good football in me, so it's about tapping into that and trying to have as best a pre-season as possible."
Cronulla finished fourth last season and reached the preliminary final. It's expected Morris will slot straight into the Sharks' run-on side given the departures of regular centres Ricky Leutele and Jesse Ramien.
After a disastrous 2018 campaign that saw the Bulldogs anchored near the bottom of the ladder, Morris said he was relishing the chance to start fresh in black, white and blue colours.
"It's been good to be here. Week one [of pre-season] has been very enjoyable, just getting to know everyone's name," he said.
" Everyone around the club have been very welcoming. There's been a bit of hard work but it's been an enjoyable week."
Morris began training earlier than the bulk of the Sharks' stars, sweating it out alongside an array of gifted youngsters.
Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan said he was pleased with the veteran's initial contribution to the NRL squad.
"[He] was really impressive ... He stood up and led those boys around," Flanagan said.
"Over the next few weeks we're going to slowly get some experienced players back, leading into December when they're all back.
"[It's] a really important role that Josh has got in the month of November and then obviously leading [into 2019] and getting a feel for where he sits within the leadership group and playing group."
Morris said he was keen to mentor the club's crop of emerging youth players, which includes boom outside backs Bronson Xerri and Jackson Ferris.
Morris, who has lived in the Sutherland Shire for multiple years, also revealed his extended kin's joy upon hearing he would be joining Cronulla.
"My wife's family are Sharks supporters and all of her friends are Sharks supporters, so when they found out I was coming they were very excited," he said.
"I don't think I'll have any trouble giving away the tickets whenever we play at home, that's for sure."
Despite the familial support, Morris admitted he never imagined himself donning a Sharks jersey after playing 46 games with Cronulla's cross-town rivals St George Illawarra to begin his NRL career in 2007 and 2008.
"I'll be on both sides of the local derby now," Morris laughed.
"I actually scored my first try against the Sharks and it was the only try we scored that day – we lost 40-4.
"I haven't had too many good memories of the local derby so hopefully there'll be some good ones here."
The former Canterbury Bulldogs, NSW and Australia centre, who began pre-season training with the Sharks this week, has not featured in the playoffs since 2016.
Forced out of Canterbury alongside brother Brett due to salary cap constraints, the 32-year-old Morris' sights are now set on September success with Cronulla as he chases an elusive premiership during the twilight of his glittering career.
MORE: Sin bin shot clock to be considered for 2019 NRL season
"I would like to play finals football – it's something that we didn't do this year at the Dogs. That was one of the big reasons coming across," Morris told Sharks Media.
" I still feel like I've got some good football in me, so it's about tapping into that and trying to have as best a pre-season as possible."
Cronulla finished fourth last season and reached the preliminary final. It's expected Morris will slot straight into the Sharks' run-on side given the departures of regular centres Ricky Leutele and Jesse Ramien.
After a disastrous 2018 campaign that saw the Bulldogs anchored near the bottom of the ladder, Morris said he was relishing the chance to start fresh in black, white and blue colours.
"It's been good to be here. Week one [of pre-season] has been very enjoyable, just getting to know everyone's name," he said.
" Everyone around the club have been very welcoming. There's been a bit of hard work but it's been an enjoyable week."
Morris began training earlier than the bulk of the Sharks' stars, sweating it out alongside an array of gifted youngsters.
Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan said he was pleased with the veteran's initial contribution to the NRL squad.
"[He] was really impressive ... He stood up and led those boys around," Flanagan said.
"Over the next few weeks we're going to slowly get some experienced players back, leading into December when they're all back.
"[It's] a really important role that Josh has got in the month of November and then obviously leading [into 2019] and getting a feel for where he sits within the leadership group and playing group."
Morris said he was keen to mentor the club's crop of emerging youth players, which includes boom outside backs Bronson Xerri and Jackson Ferris.
Morris, who has lived in the Sutherland Shire for multiple years, also revealed his extended kin's joy upon hearing he would be joining Cronulla.
"My wife's family are Sharks supporters and all of her friends are Sharks supporters, so when they found out I was coming they were very excited," he said.
"I don't think I'll have any trouble giving away the tickets whenever we play at home, that's for sure."
Despite the familial support, Morris admitted he never imagined himself donning a Sharks jersey after playing 46 games with Cronulla's cross-town rivals St George Illawarra to begin his NRL career in 2007 and 2008.
"I'll be on both sides of the local derby now," Morris laughed.
"I actually scored my first try against the Sharks and it was the only try we scored that day – we lost 40-4.
"I haven't had too many good memories of the local derby so hopefully there'll be some good ones here."
Josh Morris looking good in the ⚫️⚪️🔵#UpUpCronulla pic.twitter.com/XOlULYKfh7
— Cronulla Sharks FC (@Cronulla_Sharks) November 15, 2018