Wayne Godwin is ready for a fierce fight as he stakes his claim for a Bulls starting spot next year.

The hooker started pre-season training yesterday knowing he can take nothing for granted, despite ending last season as first-choice No 9.

Godwin took his chance when Terry Newton suffered a broken cheekbone at the back end of the campaign, impressing as the Bulls ended with five straight wins.

Although Newton’s departure to Wakefield paved the way for a more permanent starting role, new signing Heath L’Estrange will provide stiff competition.

Like Godwin, the 24-year-old Aussie has been mainly confined to a bench role with Manly but boss Steve McNamara has made it clear they start the season with a clean slate.

“I don’t see us as one or two,” said Godwin. “I don’t think either of us are first choice and I’m sure Macca will approach it with an open mind.

“I want to start but I have to work hard and knuckle down and if my form’s good enough I’m sure I’ll get my chance.

“It’ll be good to work with Heath. My one goal is just to get as many starts as I can.

“Hopefully I can just enjoy it and continue my form from the back end of last season.”

Despite playing second fiddle to Newton for much of the past two years, Godwin became good friends with the former Great Britain international.

Now he is aiming to build a similar bond with L’Estrange and hopes the pair can become best of friends as well as biggest rivals. “I don’t really know too much about him as a player,” admitted Godwin.

“I’ve not really watched many of his games but from what Macca’s told me about him, he’s a quality player.

“I’m looking forward to playing with him, making him feel welcome and helping him through the settling-in process really. I always look forward to playing with new lads.

“I played with Tez for a few years. He grew to be a good mate and I’m sure Heath will as well.

“You always get that bond with your fellow hooker and I’ve heard he’s a bit of a character so I’m sure we’ll get on well.”

Godwin is now fighting fit after spending much of 2009 on the sidelines.

The former Wigan star missed more than three months with a broken leg and is hoping for a bit more luck this time round.

“I’m sure I’m due a bit of luck now after having a couple of injuries in the last few years, so I just need to have a good pre-season,” he said.

“I just want to carry on where I left off at the back end of last season when I came back from my tibia injury.

“It was a pretty bad break but when I came back, the more game time I played, the better I played.”