Gopperth is a Junior All Black

Newcastle Falcons fly-half Jimmy Gopperth believes he can offer the club a different option to departed England half-back Jonny Wilkinson.

Gopperth, 26, is looking forward to his debut for the Falcons but is keen to stress to supporters that he differs in style to his predecessor.

"I like to express myself and have fun," he told BBC Newcastle.

"Jonny was here and he's an outstanding player but my game is run first, kick second, run, pass then kick."

Gopperth arrived on Tyneside with a rich pedigree, having played in the respected Super 14 competition for the Hurricanes, as well as North Harbour in the Air New Zealand Cup.

And, as one of a raft of new signings at Kingston Park, Gopperth is excited at the prospect of the season ahead.

"I'm not coming into a set culture, I'm one of 17 new players so we've got a new culture and environment and everyone's on the same sort of playing level.

"I think it's the best way to be, everyone's got to learn about each other and how each other plays but no team's going to know how we play.

"It'll take us time to gel together but hopefully it will come soon and I'm very positive about the year."

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