Rugby league is all about 'mateship' and putting your body on the line for your friends when the going gets tough
It's about respect and gaining that respect can be a tough process for new recruits of any club, not least when you've never played against those players before.
Hull FC's new boys, including former New Zealand Test international Sika Manu, are currently attempting to assimilate into the Black and Whites' culture, with the 28-year-old having arrived in the city last week with a big reputation but a point to prove, too.
Coach Lee Radford is trying to build a team which values honesty highly, on and off the field.
Integrating into the group at Hull is a challenge, particularly for overseas signings Manu, Frank Pritchard, Mahe Fonua and Carlos Tuimavave as they all embark on life in a new country.
But as Manu explains, the recruits, including himself, have one clear advantage compared with overseas signings across Super League.
Hull's Polynesian contingent is a tight group and one that is ever-growing, which is headed in many ways by football manager Motu Tony, who signed two internationals apiece from Tonga and Samoa for 2016 and beyond. And Manu believes this familiarity will help him create a home from home.
"It makes it a lot easier to get used to new surroundings with so many Polynesian brothers in the team around you," Manu told the Mail.
"I've played a lot with Mahe and Frank so it feels good to have people of a similar culture around with us half way across the other side of the world.
"One of the major reasons I am here is because of the plans Motu Tony has and the way he sold Hull FC to me.
"Feka has also been really good. He's been taking us around and doing a bit of shopping and getting things for the house.
"He's been doing that not only for myself but also Mahe (Fonua). I'm sure he will do the same for Frank (Pritchard) and Carlos (Tuimavave). He's an awesome guy. He's good to have at the club, not just on the field but also off the field too."
Manu is currently laying the ground work for his new life as he takes part in the rigours of pre-season over 10,000 miles away from his partner and children. But they will soon be here and braving the cold, with the former Melbourne Storm player eager for their arrival.
"My family come across next week. I'm not sure how they will adapt, they are sitting at home in the 40 degree weather at the moment," Manu continued.
"It's not too bad because my partner has lived in Wales before. She is sort of used to the weather but it's just the kids really and getting them acclimatised.
"Since I've been here I've been making sure I buy the kids some warm coats."
Manu gives off a relaxed and calm demeanour, but even his cool nature is betrayed by sheer excitement when he talks about playing in FC's formidable pack in 2016.
Glad to finally be in the UK and ripping in at training, the Tonga captain is looking forward to playing in front of the vocal Old Faithful and the opportunity to take the ball forward off the back of some of the most dominant front-rowers in the league.
"The supporters are crazy. I've played a few games over here and they are a lot more vocal than the fans back in Australia," Manu added.
"It's good to have great support at the club and I know for a fact our fans are better than some of the others at clubs around the league. I'm looking forward to them chanting on the boys come game-day.
"At my first day of training I saw the size of some of the boys and I was quite shocked. It will be good to run off the back of a few of the front rowers.
"I think our hooker Danny Houghton will be really excited to be playing off the back of our big forward pack.
"On paper it looks like we have a strong team but we need to take that out on the field. We need to try and get as much practice in as we can and hopefully we can bring it on game-day."