Photo: Paul Seiser/SPA Images

READ MORE: Rugby News spoke to Newsome last year about his plans for 2017

Eastern Suburbs and NSW Country Eagles outside back Alex Newsome has signed a one-year deal with the Western Force ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby season.

After starring in the Shute Shield and the NRC in 2016, Newsome was invited to train with the Force over summer on a trial basis, but quickly impressed the coaching staff in Perth.

“I’m pretty stoked right now,” he said. “Coming out of club rugby and the NRC last year I suppose it was always a goal to pick something up. To get the trial opportunity in the first place was great and to come through and get signed at the end is awesome, the former Australian U20s representative told Western Force media.

“The training has definitely been a step up in terms of intensity from what I have been used to. Coming through the Australian Under 20’s and the NRC I’ve had exposure to those professional environments but I’ve never done a full pre-season with a Super Rugby team.

“It’s been awesome for my game to learn about the intensity needed to make it at Super Rugby level and what to do in order to get to that point.”

While competition for starting spots in the Force backline will be hotly contested this year, Newsome said he was looking forward to learning from some of the more experienced players.

“There are so many quality players in the squad and to see the way the Wallabies guys like Dane (Haylett-Petty) and ‘Moz’ (Luke Morahan) go about their work shows you just how high the standards are.”

“I’ve played most of my footy at 13 but playing on the wing in the NRC has given me a bit of versatility to hopefully contribute to the group.”

Despite being one of the youngest and newest members of the Perth based squad, Newsome said he already has his eyes set on the Force’s opening Super Rugby clash against the Waratahs.

“To get signed was my first goal and now my focus shifts to round one against the Waratahs and making it into that 23. For me right now I’m just going to push hard at training and try to get as much game time as I can this season.”

Western Force Attack Coach Shaun Berne says Newsome is a fantastic addition to the Force’s backline.

“Alex deserves his spot in the squad with the way he has performed all pre-season, he’s been very impressive and all the coaches are excited to see him play.”

“He has got really good feet. His game awareness is strong and from what we have seen so far he is a very intelligent guy and an intelligent rugby player.”

READ MORE: Rugby News spoke to Newsome last year about his plans for 2017