Brisbane hooker Cory Paix has a big fight on his hands to claim the No.9 jersey and one brief chat with boxer Tim Tszyu at Broncos headquarters emboldened him to state it clearly.
Tszyu, a South Sydney supporter, toured Brisbane's training facility on Wednesday when he spoke to the players.
Tszyu has a great challenge ahead of him to beat American boxer Michael Harrison for the WBO interim super-welterweight title in Sydney on March 12.
Paix has a battle with Billy Walters initially for the starting No.9 spot in the Broncos side to play Penrith on March 3 in Sydney. Fellow hookers Tyson Smoothy and Blake Mozer will also throw their hats in the ring as the season progresses.
"I want the nine jersey," Paix said.
"It is a four-way battle. I don't just want to be given the jersey. I want to earn it. I know I have put in the work."
The 23-year-old wasn't happy with how he finished last season where he shared hooking duties. He started pre-season training early to get the jump on the other No.9 candidates.
AAP revealed last month Paix had re-signed with the Broncos until the end of 2025, which was officially announced yesterday.
"I got my first contract here as a young fella when I was 15," Paix said.
"There is no place I would rather be. It is a great place to develop as a footy player and a person."
Paix and Tszyu had a chat after training.
"I am a major fan of Tim and I am very excited for him in his upcoming fight. It is pretty cool to have him here at the club," Paix said.
Tszyu was also seen deep in conversation with Brisbane skipper Adam Reynolds, who he loved watching at the Rabbitohs.
"He is a beast and he has proven that time and time again," Tszyu said.
"Just talking to him, he is enjoying being here and everything about Brisbane and being at this club and city. It is a great inspiration."
Tszyu is a Sydney lad but Queensland is dear to his heart and he wants to fight for a world title in Brisbane one day. He beat Jeff Horn in Townsville in 2020 in a fight that opened doors.
"It was a big part of my identity in Australia. I was able to prove to the Australian audience that I am my own man," he said.
"It would be lovely to one day come to Brisbane and fight for that world title.
"Now I have a new task ahead of me. It is time to go to the next level and let the whole world know that I am Tim Tszyu."
