"Knowing Wayne, he'll have them prepared well and set up for a good, tight game," the veteran hooker said as he readied himself for his seventh appearance in a Newcastle Knights jersey.

A belated signing during the coronavirus shutdown after Newcastle's dummy-half options were reduced by injuries to Jayden Brailey (knee) and Connor Watson (ankle), McCullough has been a revelation.

In all six games so far he has played the full 80 minutes, averaging a remarkable 56 tackles per game and still finding enough energy to score tries in both of Newcastle's past two outings, as well as producing some crafty kicks.

It's fair to say the 30-year-old, who debuted under Bennett in 2008 and played in 260 games for the Broncos, is enjoying his change of scenery, both from a footballing and lifestyle perspective.

"I just came down with the attitude to enjoy it and embrace what Newcastle is about," he said.

"Just rip in and compete, and hopefully I've done that, but there is still plenty of work to be done throughout the year ...

"I'm just trying to work hard and compete hard for these guys, who have introduced me into this team and made me feel welcome. I want to repay them by playing hard and doing my bit."

In his down time, he has been pleasantly surprised by what his new surrounds have to offer.

"As a visiting team, you don't get to see Newcastle properly," he said.

"You sort of see the coalmining side of things and get to the hotel and then leave, so it's good to get out and see the Hunter Valley as well. It's been really nice."

Whether McCullough settles in for the long haul remains to be seen. His initial deal with Newcastle is until the end of the year, and he reportedly is still under contract to Brisbane for 2021.

Perhaps all that can be said for sure is that, judging by his form since joining the Knights, his services will be in demand somewhere next season.

"I've said to everybody I've met, I'm just putting all my energy into this year," he said. "I'm making the most of it ... everything else will take care of itself. Everyone gets what they deserve, in the end. Whatever that may be for me, that'll work out."

McCullough's big-game experience shapes as a crucial asset for Newcastle as they strive to qualify for the play-offs for the first time since 2013. As well as his three State of Origins, he has appeared in 15 finals games - the same number as skipper Mitchell Pearce.

Settled as he is in Newcastle, he can't help but spare a thought for his former Brisbane teammates.

"It is difficult to watch, but it's out of my bubble, in a sense that I'm not there," he said.

"That's for them to get out of, and I'm sure they're working hard to do that."