The 18-year-old Australian Schoolboys representative, who played at Southern Districts last year and was tipped as a possible NSW Waratahs representative, made a last-minute decision to sign with the Sharks for 2010.

"The opportunity came up and I thought it would be a new challenge,'' said Frizell, who has a Welsh and Tongan background.

"So far it's been great. Joey [coach Joe Grima], the team and the club, have been helping me ease into league.''

Although a Wollongong resident, Frizell never received an offer from St George Illawarra Dragons. He had just returned from a rugby union trip to Ireland, England and Wales when he found out about the Sharks offer.

"The footy trip overseas really helped in the off-season,'' Frizell said.

"As soon as I came back, it was straight into training with the Sharks, so it was perfect.

"I'm just happy to be playing and focused on giving 100 per cent to the Sharks. I am looking to see how far I can go in league.''

The towering backrower was mixing up positions on the field but was comfortable playing out wide, from the second row.

"During the trials I played centre, but for the past couple of games. I've taken on a similar position I played in union,'' Frizell said.

Frizzle missed the Sharks 38-18 loss against Brisbane on Sunday after he tore his calf muscle last week. He is expected to miss another fortnight of competition.