He's proven to be one of the most threatening attacking weapons in the Intrust Super Premiership NSW this season, but Brad Abbey has selflessly paid credit to the new family environment in Canberra that has contributed to his stunning form in 2018.
Abbey has become an integral part of the Mounties outfit who have dominated the first-half of the competition, slotting seamlessly into a new-look side that boasts the likes of Craig Garvey and Sam Williams.
While he's been one of their most consistent performers this year and has quickly formed a formidable combination with Garvey, the dynamic five-eighth was quick to praise his fellow team-mates and change of scenery as the secret to his form.
"The boys energy helps me a lot – I'm loving it in Canberra and I'm happy with the Mounties team which makes me enjoy my footy," Abbey told NSWRL.com.au
"There's a really nice family environment which [also] helps me bring up my two kids. Family is really important to me and I just want to make them proud and be a good role model.
"So I feel like it's a good place for me and I'm really happy."
Coming into Round 15 with nine tries to his name, a classy hat-trick in the Mounties 22-16 victory over the Jets on Saturday was arguably his most impressive outing to date.
After a 62-0 thumping of the Knights two weeks ago gave them a wealth of confidence heading into their clash with the Jets, it's their valiant defensive efforts that has been crucial to their early season success.
"The boys just brought a lot of energy and our main focus was on our defence because Newtown's a good team and they put it to us last time," he said.
"We wanted to come back and get a bit of revenge on them and we did and we're happy to come away with the win.
"I think defence was our main focus because we pride ourselves on it and that's what helped us get the win today."
His scintillating form this year has inspired the Mounties to first place on the competition ladder, with two commanding victories firmly cementing their premiership credentials for 2018.
As they've have enjoyed resounding success throughout the first-half of the season, Abbey has reaped some rewards with a possible selection as 18th man for Tonga in their clash against Samoa next weekend.
While he will use that experience as a golden opportunity to craft his trade among some of rugby league's elite, the 20-year-old hopes it will lay a foundation for him to earn another first-grade jumper with the Raiders this year.
"I need to keep playing good footy so I can keep pushing for that spot, and I feel like I'm in the picture now and I warm up with Tonga tomorrow so I'm looking forward to it and hopefully that's just one step closer [to first-grade]."
