Manly winger Akuila Uate has declared he is "the fittest he has ever been" as he attempts to revive his NRL career at the Sea Eagles.
Uate spent the second half of last season languishing in reserve grade at Newcastle as they collected the wooden spoon, with just the one win all season.
Now, Uate says he is ready to revitalise his career at Manly ahead of next Sunday's season-opener against Parramatta.
"I've been the fittest I've ever been," Uate said.
"No injuries problems or ankle problems. I'm fitter than ever. I can't wait to play the Eels at Lottoland."
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Uate holds the record for the most tries at the Knights with 110, and represented NSW in five State of Origin matches in 2011 and 2012.
However the 29-year-old scored just one try in 10 matches last year, sparking the Knights to release him over the off-season in a swap for Jamie Buhrer.
"I'd been in Newcastle for too long," Uate said.
"I played second grade last year and I wasn't happy with my football. I wanted to have a change."
Uate has been training on the Sea Eagles' right wing in the off-season and is hopeful of cementing the position come round one.
He played there in Saturday's 24-22 win over the Sydney Roosters, and could line up directly against Parramatta's own Fijian flyer Semi Radradra in round one.
"You've just got to stay with him," Uate said.
"He's fast and he's strong."
