A rejuvenated Pearce Hanley is loving life on the Gold Coast after making the move down the M1 from Brisbane during this year’s trade period.

The Irishman has taken to Coast life like a duck to water, spending plenty of time on the iconic Burleigh Beach over the past few weeks whilst also thriving during his time completing his first pre-season at Metricon Stadium.

“It’s a great club and a great area,” Hanley told SUNS TV.

“Loving the lifestyle and training’s going very well, so very happy.”

The durable 28-year-old played all 22 games for the Lions in 2016 and was full of praise for SUNS Elite Performance Director Justin Cordy and his individualised summer program.

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“As you would know, training’s been very tough as it always is before Christmas but body’s going good,” Hanley said.

“JC’s been excellent looking after me so yeah, firing fit.

“I reckon there’s more of an open door policy here, which is great. If you’re working hard and you’re sore they tend to trust you.”

Hanley also threw his support behind Tom Lynch and Steven May, who were appointed as Gold Coast co-captains for 2017 last Thursday.

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“I think they’ll be excellent. I think on and off the field their leadership is very good and I’m glad it was picked because I couldn’t separate the two of them,” he said.

“So coming down I think everyone had that question in the back of their heads but I think they’re going to be excellent together.

“They showed that last year and I’m sure they’ll show it again this year.”