PERHAPS Generation Y does want everything at once. In his first month at St George Illawarra, Gerard Beale has had to deal with living in a new state, playing for a new club and the birth of his first child.

Despite the distractions, the former Brisbane Broncos utility said he was on track to set a personal best 40m sprint time after shedding bulk during the off-season.

Beale, 22, and his partner Roimata welcomed their baby boy Nixon into the world six weeks ago, right in the middle of intense fitness training at the Dragons.

"Nixon is the best thing that's ever happened to me,'' the New Zealand international said.

"He's not named after the former American president though. I get that a lot but we just liked the name.

"There has been a lot going on but I've actually settled here quicker than I thought I would.

"I already knew a few of the boys here, like Jason Nightingale and Nathan Fien from the Kiwi team, so that made things easier.''

Beale said there were only good memories from his four seasons at the Broncos but the opportunity to regularly play in his preferred position of fullback had prompted him to leave.

"There were no problems (at the Broncos),'' he said. "It's just the way it worked out.''

He has relished the training program the Dragons have designed for him.

"The Broncos wanted me to bulk up but because at the Dragons I will be playing fullback, I need to be lighter for all the running involved,'' Beale said.

"I am enjoying being lighter. I was a bit heavy. It is all about finding the best weight for me.

"We have time trials coming up in training and I think I could set some PBs. I'm feeling really good at the moment.''

A staple of Beale's time at the Broncos was the "Kava Connection'', consisting of Beale, Alex Glenn and Josh Hoffman who would occasionally have bonding sessions to embrace their New Zealand heritage.

"I have already spoke to a few of the boys here at the Dragons about having a kava night,'' Beale said.

"There's guys like Chase Stanley and a few others who like kava but we just have to find the time between training.''

Asked if he knew when the Dragons first played the Broncos this season, Beale fired back quickly: "Round 2.

"It will be interesting going back to Suncorp to play them. I'm looking forward to it,'' he said.

Originally published as Lighter Beale primed for new role