Darcy Lussick. Picture: Parramatta Eels
A lot has changed for Darcy Lussick in 2013.
No longer does the 23-year-old call Manly home.
Or live with his family.
Or play for the Sea Eagles.
Lussick is a Parramatta Eel — and so far he is enjoying every minute.
‘‘All the boys have been really welcoming and Ricky [coach Ricky Stuart] and the support staff have been great,’’ Lussick said.
‘‘It was a bit different at the start, especially driving out from the northern beaches every day, but now that I’m living here it has been really good.’’
Lussick and former Manly teammate Daniel Harrison are two of the higher-profile recruits for the blue and golds in 2013.
It follows a host of departures last year headlined by club legends Nathan Hindmarsh and Luke Burt.
The club also lost established first graders Justin Poore, Esi Tonga and Justin Horo.
Lussick, who is renowned for his aggressive approach in the front row, said he is looking forward to building on his first full year of first grade in which he strung together 24 games.
‘‘The main thing was getting used to the week in and week out grind of playing first grade,’’ he said.
‘‘I learnt a lot about preparing for a game and what it takes to play consistent footy which I am hoping I can bring here to Parramatta.
‘‘I played all my junior footy in the back row, so it has been a bit different playing in the front row. It has been tough, but good at the same time.
‘‘The biggest thing in first grade is you can’t switch off for any amount of time or you will be found out.’’