Uncompromising prop Ryan McDonald is unlikely to change his style in York City Knights' upcoming friendlies, declaring "it's just the way I am".
McDonald became an instant hit on his debut, with home fans chanting his name within minutes of his entrance midway through the first half of the friendly win over Hunslet.
The 28-year-old, who has joined from Halifax on a one-year deal, livened up the exchange with a fiesty display full of big hits and aggressive drives, and more of the same can be expected in the forthcoming pre-season run-outs against Castleford and Leeds.
Asked if he aimed to make a big impression on the fans or Knights boss Mick Cook, he said: "That's just me - take me or leave me."
Cook already knows McDonald well having played alongside the fiery flame-haired prop at Bramley when the two were at opposite ends of their careers. The Press understands Cook also had talks about bringing the experienced Scotland international to Huntington Stadium last season.
He has now got his man, and McDonald - who has also played for Dewsbury, Whitehaven and in Super League with Widnes - is so far happy with the move.
"It's good," said the Cumbrian-born forward, who has lived in Yorkshire for 12 years and previously rebuffed a three-year deal at National League One club Haven due to the travelling from his home in Leeds.
"They're good lads here. The biggest thing I've noticed since coming here is the team spirit."
McDonald wants to "keep injury-free and play as many games as I can" this season after enduring an injury-hit 2006 campaign at the Shay.
He has not played since July but has had surgery on a shoulder and arm, and now feels "as good as new".
He was blunt when asked what the team's goals should be. "Definitely promotion," he stated, adding with tongue in cheek: "I think we should aim to go straight up - that way we get a decent rest at the end of the season.
"Or we could be greedy and do it through the play-offs."
There is concern among some fans that McDonald might walk a disciplinary tightrope this season. But Cook knows the kind of player he has brought to Huntington Stadium.
"We've brought him in to add more aggression to our pack," said the Knights boss.
"He will do that and, while he does need to control himself sometimes, he is uncompromising.
"He carries the ball very strongly and he gets some good shots in. We need that bit of mongrel'."
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