The representative lock's addition to the Roosters side give the tri-colours tremendous depth in the backrow, with representative Josh Curphey already re-signing with the club, along with incoming captain-coach Andrew Herbert.

After spending four years at Exies Oval, which was highlighted by a premiership in 2010, Charles said he is ready to help the Roosters to similiar heights in 2012.

"It's always exciting to go and play with a new bunch of guys and it's always going to be a big step going away and playing for Waratahs," Charles said.

"So hopefully I can go out there this season and make a bit of a difference."

Asked if he left the Waratahs on good terms, Charles confirmed that he did but said he did not expect a soft welcome when he first plays his former teammates.

"It's always weird to play against your old club, but I think it might play us a bit harder on the day because they'll be trying to get me while I'll be trying help DPC win," he said.

"I was just trying to go out there with a couple of mates to play and speaking to the club (DPC) it sounded like they're really serious this year so I thought it would be good to try something different.

"The Waratahs realy looked after me so there's no bad feelings there.

"Now they have got a few senior guys out there and they'l be really good to lead some of the younger blokes they have got coming through in their side, so hopefully we'll have a good season."

Charles will not have to wait long to face the Tigers, with the Waratahs set to travel to Darlington Point Sportsground in round two on April 22.

Commitment is another thing Charles and the rest of the senior players will preach to the rest of the first grade squad, with the Roosters showing what they were capable of in winning four of their last five games in 2011.

"I hope that I can just add to the club and just get the guys to commit even more from the first week," Charles said.

DPC has begun its pre-season training, with Charles confident more fitness training will lead to a better side this year.