Daniel Braid, the Super 14's first-ever marquee signing, has said the major factor behind joining the Reds was a desire to experience rugby overseas.
Yet Braid, one of 12 newcomers, will find Ballymore home-from-home in so many respects, not least because the club's Kiwi-born contingent includes Quade Cooper, Dayna Edwards, Charlie Fetoai, Digby Ioane, Brando Va'aulu, Leroy Houston plus Highlanders recruit Ezra Taylor.
The 27-year-old appeared a reluctant marquee at his official unveiling at Ballymore this morning. He seemed awkward in front of the cameras in stark contrast to the man he'll replace as open side flanker, David Croft.
He listed, in order, his reasons for leaving Auckland after eight seasons, first of which was a hankering to play professional rugby outside his homeland - at least in the short-term.
Braid also mentioned Queensland's lifestyle - later revealing how he discounted any possibility of switching to European rugby because of the weather - and an improved financial package.
He was later prompted into saying he believed the Reds were also a team on the up. "Last year they were competitive and a much-improved side. With young talent and hearing how Phil (Mooney) and his team are trying to take things forward, things look good for them," Braid said.
Moving from North Island's largest city to Queensland's capital can hardly be described a life-changing experience though. It's a risk akin to uprooting to London only to rent a flat in Earls Court and pull pints in the Walkabout.
Of course Queensland's weather was an attraction, and Braid has been frustrated by his lack of opportunities with the All Blacks after earning just four caps since debuting against Wales in 2002. Richie McCaw might have something to do with that.
But the move was also more financially rewarding than staying at the Blues, despite Mooney's insistence the Reds hadn't topped up Braid's earnings with an ARU handout.
The counter argument to questions over his true marquee status in Brisbane's broader football marketplace is that at least the Reds have acquired a player in his prime.
In penning a one-year deal with the option of a second, Braid also brings with him 59 matches of Super 14 experience including scooping the main prize in 2003, his debut S14 season.
Mooney also spoke of Braid's leadership credentials, which will be called on sooner than the second year Reds coach planned after James Horwill was ruled out for the first half of next season following foot surgery.
"That was one of the key reasons that we signed Daniel. I don't think a decision needs to be made (on a replacement captain) now but there are two or three very good quality contenders there," said Mooney.
"The fact that we were able to grab a player of Daniel's quality and standing was an absolute bonus for us. It was a great selection from our point of view.
"The competition has seen we're taking our program forward and it's an endorsement to have an All Black come and player for us."
The entire Reds squad - Braid aside who returns to Brisbane in December - will begin pre-season training on October 27.
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