Payne Haas believes South Sydney have the squad to win the 2027 NRL premiership, but he is not claiming he will be their missing piece.
The 26-year-old joined the Rabbitohs for his first training session on Monday, reuniting with Wayne Bennett, who gave him his Brisbane debut in 2018.
Haas said Bennett was the reason he moved to Sydney, and dismissed suggestions he left Brisbane because of a clash with coach Michael Maguire or his demanding training methods.
"It definitely wasn't the training or the coach," he said.
Haas, a 2025 Broncos premiership winner, has signed a three-year deal worth $3.6 million. Hand surgery means he will not resume full-contact training until January.
Souths have lost four preliminary finals and the 2021 title decider, 14-12 to Penrith, since claiming their record 21st premiership in 2014.
Fans hope Haas can provide the decisive boost that Daly Cherry-Evans and Cooper Cronk brought to the Roosters' premiership teams in 2018, 2019 and 2026.
"I'm not sure. Time will tell. I'm just here to be present and train the house down and earn the respect of the boys," Haas said.
A full-strength Souths side could pair him with Cameron Murray, Brandon Smith and David Fifita, with Latrell Mitchell, Alex Johnston, Jye Gray, Jack Wighton, Campbell Graham and Cody Walker in the backline.
"Look at the players we've got, I wouldn't come here if I didn't think that," Haas said.
He said moving from Brisbane felt uncomfortable, but he did not want to stay simply because it was the easier choice.