The arrival of journeyman ruckman Dan Currie from North Melbourne during the recent trade period will be highly beneficial for Gold Coast’s midfield department, according to SUNS ruckman Tom Nicholls.
 
After grasping the No. 1 ruck mantle from Zac Smith in 2015, Nicholls became the SUNS’ first choice ruckman under Rodney Eade, playing 15 games to finally put years of injury concerns to bed and establish himself at AFL level.
 
Nicholls welcomes the challenge of the added competition, suggesting it will be advantageous for himself and for Keegan Brooksby as they strive towards the race for round one.
 
“It will be a massive challenge for me there will be a lot of competition for spots obviously, and we’ve also got Keegan Brooksby there as well who's a massive competitor as well. Internally it will help us all, especially myself,” Nicholls told the media at a press conference at Movie World on Thursday.
 
“It will keep me on my toes, I’ve obviously got some new competition as I did last year with Keegan Brooksby coming in.
 
“He set a massive benchmark in terms of training, as was Zac who’s a super athlete. “
 
“It’s just another level of competition for myself and for Dan as well because he’s obviously come from being behind the All Australian ruckman so to do what he’s done at North is a credit to himself. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
 
Nicholls, along with new recruit Currie, will commence training on Monday morning when the main group reports for their first day of pre-season.