THE power game -- that is what tough nut Australian rugby league coach Chris Anderson pledges to bring to Newport Gwent Dragons as their new chief, as well as a winning culture.

Anderson admits he faces a battle to win over the media and the fans, but it is a challenge he relishes as he gets to grips with rugby union for the first time after more than 30 years in league.

He has signed a two-year deal with the Dragons, reviewable on both sides after one season.

It is already crystal clear he places a great emphasis on fitness and conditioning, claiming league is years ahead of the union game.

Anderson also says he had an instinct about the Dragons, Rodney Parade and the people at the helm which is why he took the plunge, apart from being eager to take up the challenge.

"I liked the way Tony Brown and Andy Marinos were prepared to go outside the square, especially in a traditional rugby area. I hope to repay them, it won't be for the lack of effort," he promised.

"I liked the feel of the club and instinct is a big thing. It's a good challenge and I like the fact that I've got to win everyone over. It makes it worthwhile. They are passionate about their rugby here and I'm sure the fans will look at it and wait and see.

"It's similar to when I coached Halifax when they spat at me for the first few weeks, but a fighter fights and knuckles down. I won them over and I've got to do the same now. I'm sure the fans will make me pay early on, but it'll be a good battle.

"Winning is never boring, but we've got a way to go with fitness. League guys have been at this for 20 years so we are probably where we should be.

"Some players are struggling with it but they're only in their second year. They've got a fair way to go as in attitude and learning to be a pro. Rugby league players know what they've got to do whereas these guys are still learning.

"It's tough when you're putting your body through it, but the attitude is quite good and there are good, strong athletes here. They are not daunted and regional rugby is the right way to go because it's too big a jump from a club to the national side.

"I'm a bit driven, but it's about winning and teaching the guys to be professional and living the right lifestyle. I think I know what's needed.

"Rugby Union is still considered an aerobic game, but rugby league has got away from that and it's about power which is what union has got to get to. You can do it now the game is fully pro."

But Anderson consistently shows his dry wit and is quite prepared to admit his ignorance of the technical side of union.

"Line-outs? They're like Chinese chequers to me. I told Leigh Jones 'they're yours,' he laughed. It's all like a jigsaw puzzle to me and it's not making a lot of sense. Leigh is bamboozling me with it. "Rod Macqueen (Australia's former union World Cup winning coach) gave me a book on rugby for dunces. I'm halfway through it."

More seriously, he stressed, "My thing is creating an environment. This is about man management. I had a couple of offers to stay in league, but this excited me more."