Despite a three week break over Christmas, there was no easing into the New Year for recruit Jordan Murdoch, who has already set himself a new max speed PB.

Speaking to SUNS Media, Murdoch said his new environment was working wonders to further develop his already impressive explosive running abilities. 

“When we had max speed testing I got a new PB which was a couple of km’s faster than my next best,” he said.

“Obviously looking forward to showing it down on the field and utilising that to help the team.”

Murdoch has spent most of his career playing on a wing, combining that with stints across half-forward, but could be set for a new role at the SUNS in 2019. 

He has trained with the defensive group during the pre-season and with new changes to the kick-in rules, could find himself deeper in defence to take advantage of his pace.

“I’ve done every bit of my training with defence this year with the thought of playing that half back role and maybe utilising my strengths at kick-ins as well.

“Looking forward to that new challenge in itself as well as gelling with a new young team.”

Murdoch isn’t the only one heating up the track, with all players impressing with their conditioning, fitness and work ethic in the opening weeks of 2019.

“Everyone’s been in really good shape coming back, we’ve come back with the right attitude looking forward to getting into some of the more game day stuff now.” 

To say Gold Coast is agreeing with the former-Cat and his wife Emma is an understatement, with both immediately feeling at home in Queensland and as part of the SUNS family. 

“I found probably more so than previous years a real want to come back and continue what we’ve sort of built pre-Christmas,” he said. 

“Obviously Geelong’s not as warm and certainly don’t see as much sunshine down there so certainly loving that aspect.

“I’ve loved the change, I’ve loved how comfortable and confident I feel within the first couple of months of being here. 

“Everyone’s been incredibly friendly and incredibly welcoming to my wife and I and the large number of new players that have come.”

With game one of the JLT Community Series in Mackay less than a month away, Murdoch has his eyes firmly set on selection. 

“Every chance to put on this (SUNS) guernsey is a chance that you can’t waste,” he said.

“Excited to get into it into JLT matches even the practice matches and practice stuff we do at training.”