Former Crusaders and All Blacks flyer George Bridge is embracing the challenge of moving into the midfield as he joins the Western Force.
Bridge arrived in November after several seasons in the Top 14 with Montpellier, ready for a new opportunity.
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The 19-cap All Black will get his first look in the centres on Friday in the club’s opening trial against the Queensland Reds, set to partner fellow international Kurtley Beale.
“It's an exciting change for me. When I first arrived, I sat down with ‘Crono’ [Force coach Simon Cron] and had a good yarn to him about it. We were actually both on the same page around that position change," Bridge told the media.
“I've played the majority of my career on the wing, but it's an exciting change. It's been a good challenge for me learning the new role and whatnot, but I'm looking forward to getting out there and having a crack.
“I've been working quite hard and closely alongside [defence coach] Brad Harris around the way that we want to defend and have quite an attacking defence as well, so I'm looking forward to it. It's a good new challenge for me.”
Bridge brings a title-winning pedigree to the Force, who are desperate for their first finals appearance.
With multiple Super Rugby titles to his name and World Cup experience, the 30-year-old was keen to impart his wisdom.
“When I was re-evaluating where I was at midway through last year, ‘Crono’ approached me and it seemed like a really good opportunity,” Bridge said.
“I think looking at the way the club started last season shows the direction that they're heading. You see the nine Wallabies that returned last week as us having a really good core of players. Hopefully, I can be here and hopefully add to the success of the club.
“I won't go out of my way to be a leader, but I've been doing this for a little while now. If I can help out where I can, I'll be happy to.
“I'm just enjoying being back into the Super Rugby side of things. We definitely play a pretty exciting attacking brand of footy as well, so that's what I'm enjoying so far. It's been a long pre-season, so we're all looking forward to having a run around tomorrow against the Reds and putting it all out on the pitch.”
The Force will open their season against the ACT Brumbies on February 14 at HBF Park.
