Colin Slade says moving to the Highlanders can help him control his destiny.
Slade (22) was unveiled this week as the first major signing by the franchise under new coach Jamie Joseph and is seen as a key acquisition for the side in the revamped Super 15 next year.
"It was a hard decision to make with Canterbury having been so successful and I had to think about it a little bit. But at the end of the day it is about me looking after myself and doing as much as I can," Slade told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
"Anyone who plays rugby in New Zealand has aspirations to play at the highest level. Possibly if I had stayed at the Crusaders I may have struggled to get into the side but at the Highlanders I suppose I can control my own destiny."
Slade had played at fullback and on the wing for the Crusaders but with Dan Carter first cab off the rank in the first five-eighth position for the Christchurch-based side, he knew he had to move elsewhere to get a chance.
And with selection for the World Cup casting a huge shadow over the Super 15 next season, Slade knows getting on the paddock is the key for him to nab a black jersey, at his preferred first-five eighth position.
"It's an opportunity to get some game time. Here in Canterbury, with who we have, the opportunities may be a bit more limited, so it is about getting out there and giving myself the best opportunity I can.
"The early indication is that 10 is where I will play and that is where I want to play. I can work closely with [assistant coach] Simon Culhane, who was a first-five himself.
"I've played there right through the grades and it's just been the past couple of years where I've been moved around. But I want to lose that utility tag."
He has signed a one-year deal with the Highlanders, and will still play for Canterbury in the ITM Cup if he misses the All Blacks next year.
He had no family or connections in the South but was aware the Highlanders had struggled in recent times.
"They have not had the best success in the past couple of years but hopefully I can be part of something which will turn it round. I'll give it everything for the Highlanders next year."
Slade was playing in the pivot position for Canterbury this year after it was believed he was asked to play there by the All Black selectors.
He said he did not know much about that, and was simply concentrating on the job.
"Personally I am really enjoying playing 10. I think I've made a reasonable fist of things. We didn't play too well last week [losing to Tasman] but you've got to take it on the chin and move on."
