The start of a new season signals a chance for new opportunity, the chance to step out of a shadow and cast one of your own.
For Jordan McLean it presented not only that but a chance to prove he belongs.
After stepping into the No.10 jersey made vacant by the off-season retirement of Bryan Norrie, the 23-year-old has started every game for Melbourne this season.
McLean has been a consistent performer, averaging 98 metres and 24 tackles across the opening three weeks.
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He may have 145 fewer games of first grade experience than his predecessor but coach Craig Bellamy will be hoping McLean's third season at the top level will be the one he begins to deliver on that potential week in and week out.
Partnered alongside premier prop Jesse Bromwich, 25, the future of the club's forward pack rests in the gigantic hands of these two men.
"I'm pretty basic, Jess takes care of all the footwork and the skills. There will be a chance at some stage but at the moment I am just trying to play a simple game, run hard, make my tackles and play my part in the team," McLean said.
"I definitely look up to him, he's one of my good mates. We came through the under 20s system and he's gone on to represent his country, so I look up to him. I look at his game and try and get some things off him but I'm very happy to be playing alongside Jesse.
"I'm definitely enjoying it [starting], there's a little bit more weight on my shoulders which I like. I am still finding my feet, I think I'm improving a bit each week so [I'm] happy with how I'm going at the moment."
McLean signed a new two-year contract extension on the eve of the Telstra Premiership that will keep him in Victoria until at least the end of 2017.
The promising prop came through the Storm's development ranks at SG Ball and Under 20s level before making his NRL debut in 2013.
Despite his family remaining back in his hometown of Young in New South Wales, McLean has his girlfriend and his football in Melbourne and in his eyes that's all that matters.
"It didn't really cross my mind. Melbourne has been really good for me, especially during some tough times so I just wanted to repay the favour back to them," McLean said.
"This is my seventh year now, I've got some good mates and I am really enjoying my time here and couldn't see myself living anywhere else at the minute."
The Storm travel to Townsville to face the Cowboys next Monday night at 7pm.
