Rugby League player Dean Ware sets his sights high with Penrith Panthers

GROWING up in the suburbs has made Dean Whare's transition from Manly to Penrith a lot easier.

GROWING up in the suburbs has made Dean Whare's transition from the beachside of Manly to the foot of the mountains in Penrith a lot easier.

Whare, 22, made his NRL debut for the Sea Eagles in 2010 but joined the Panthers for regular first team action.

Swapping the beach for the heat in Penrith would be difficult for most, but not for Whare, who grew up in the St George area.

"I was a St George junior and growing up in that area was good," he said.

"Moving here was pretty much the same as my childhood. I never really went to the beach (as a kid)."

After moving into the Penrith area, Whare has focused on training and earning a starting spot.

Admitting he has spoken to coach Ivan Cleary about his aim, Whare is confident he can do a job for the team.

"I want a starting spot and in just the one position," he said.

"It's looking at the moment to being fullback. I've really tried to master that position since I left Manly.

"Playing under Brett Stewart is probably the best thing that's happened to me.

"He taught me a lot of things about what to do in that position."

CAREER STATS

• Debut: Manly Sea Eagles v North Queensland Cowboys, 2010.

• Scored nine tries in 25 appearances for Manly during three seasons.

• Can play at fullback and in the centres.

• Made his international debut for New Zealand in 2012.