Roosters recruit Dale Copley says he was in “shock” when told his time with the Broncos was up and aims to use that disappointment to motivate him at his new NRL club.

Copley was forced out of Brisbane by the arrival of former Gold Coast flyer James Roberts.

Michael Jennings’ shift to Parramatta cleared the way for the Roosters to sign the 24-year-old, who said he didn’t see his departure from the Broncos coming.

“It all happened pretty quick. It was obviously a bit of a shock. I didn’t see it coming,” Copley told NewsCorp Australia.

Copley says he is looking forward to taking his career to the next level, admitting it has so far been hampered by injuries.

“That is probably the main thing that has held me back,” he said.

“But I am looking at the next couple of years here as a real good opportunity.

“Hopefully my injuries have finished and I can really nail down a spot and play consistently.”

Roosters coach Trent Robinson said Copley has to own his position and show rugby league what he has got, a challenge which Copley believes sums up the situation well.

The young Queenslander said the shift from Brisbane to Sydney was initially daunting, but he had now settled in.

“Sydney is a bit intimidating to be honest,” Copley said.

“I had built it up in my head to be a big scary place but it is certainly not that.

“I have settled in really well and where I am living is pretty quite and similar to where I have come from.

“I am not too worried now I am down here and among it.”