A significant improvement in the culture and professionalism at the Gold Coast SUNS are two key factors behind Tom Lynch’s decision to sign on with the expansion club for another two seasons.

The vice-captain revealed he never wanted to leave the Coast, but strong development in these two areas made inking the contract a mere formality.

“All along I really wanted to sign on with the SUNS,” Lynch told SUNS TV on Tuesday morning.

“I thought it was a really good time to sign on, a good start to the season and I feel like the culture’s really improved around the place and the professionalism.”

The SUNS made a number of personnel changes in the off-season after a tumultuous 2015 and these adjustments have been seen by many as the catalyst behind the club’s improvement both on and off the field.

There has also been a heavy investment by the club in the leadership space, which has seen the emergence of not only Lynch as a leader, but other young stars including his fellow vice-captains Dion Prestia and Steven May.

“At the end of last year, or halfway through, we had a really good look at ourselves and said we’ve got to improve in a lot of areas,” Lynch said.

“Professionalism and culturally, we needed to improve in that area so I think the boys have really bought into Rocket’s game plan, what he wants and what he expects from us.

“There’s been an increase in leadership, it’s gone from Gaz to sort of the first few players so everyone’s improved in that area and there’s been a good buzz, a good positive feel about the place.”

READ: Tom Lynch commits until the end of 2018

One of the reasons behind the development in the leadership space is the players’ taking ownership for driving standards and behaviours among the group.

Veteran mentor Rodney Eade has handed over the reigns to Ablett, Lynch and co, giving them full ownership of that space.

“Rocket’s always said it’s your club, you guys drive it so he’s given us great ownership over that area,” Lynch said.

“Steven May’s vice-captain this year, he’s really grown as a leader. We’ve got Jaeger [O’Meara], Dave Swallow, [Dion] Prestia, great young leaders as well so I think across the board there’s been a great growth and there’s good excitement.”