Moses Suli has declared he wants to prove his worth and stay at St George Illawarra, after being told earlier this year he had permission to look elsewhere.
Back in first grade after a stint in NSW Cup between injuries, Suli admitted on Thursday he had been caught off-guard when told he could explore options.
But the 28-year-old said the birth of his first daughter Alaimoana four months ago had given him a fresh perspective on life, with the newborn becoming his "why".
And at this stage he wants to stay at the Dragons, hoping to be part of the club's revitalisation.
"It was tough for me when I first found out," Suli told AAP.
"When (my manager) first told me, I was kind of shocked at the start. It gave me a kick up the arse I guess.
"I was playing inconsistent footy at the time and I was on and off and with this back injury, but I'm feeling better now.
"I don't know if there's enough time to prove myself, but we've got four games left and hopefully I can play some consistent footy and get some wins."
Suli said the timing of the news made things more difficult, given he was unable to be on the field and prove his worth.
The Dragons have signed Phil Sami and Scott Drinkwater for next year, creating a squeeze in the club's backline given Clint Gutherson will likely move from fullback.
Mat Feagai and Tyrell Sloan will both leave for Super League next year, while Christian Tuipulotu is off contract and set to leave at season's end.
But Suli insisted he was up for the fight, after finding a home at the Dragons following stints at Wests Tigers, Canterbury and Manly.
"It's a good thing. Everyone's got to earn their position," the Tongan international said ahead of Sunday's clash with the Tigers.
"We've got a lot of players coming in and players probably moving positions, and that's a challenge, but when that comes up, I'll take that head-on."
Suli said at this point his intention was to remain at the club, rather than proactively looking elsewhere.
"If something comes up then yeah, I'll have a look at it, but I've got one more year here and I'm enjoying myself," he said.
"Especially with all the young boys coming through, you can see glimpses of it this year, they're performing really well.
"With the signings that are coming next year, that tops it off and the boys will have a good year."
