The Western Force's signing of Andre Pretorius helped keep James O'Connor in Perth, and now the teenage star is looking to learn plenty off him as the 2010 Super 14 season approaches.

O'Connor, 19, was the Force's prized re-signing at the end of the 2009 season and, after also producing a strong year with the Wallabies, the versatile back is looking to improve his kicking and leadership during 2010.

"Definitely with the likes of (Matt) Giteau and (Josh) Valentine leaving, I guess I'm jumping into more of a leadership role, and it was a big decision for me staying here," O'Connor said.

"I want to keep building on where I am and keep getting involved more and more.

"Definitely my kicking can get better, but also in terms of leadership I have a lot to learn there.

"The likes of Andre Pretorius will help and I will tap into the resources that are around me. He is an awesome controller of the game and I think that's what we need this year."

O'Connor's preference always was to stay in Perth, but it depended on new signings following the departure of Giteau, Valentine and Drew Mitchell.

With a backline boasting the likes of Ryan Cross and Cameron Shepherd and Matt Dunning, Tim Fairbrother and Nic Henderson added to the forward pack, he's in no doubt he made the right choice.

"I always wanted to stay in Perth. I love the place, it has a good feeling about it," O'Connor said.

"All of us guys from the east coast are sort of like a family and the decision was about if we could get guys like Andre and other marquee players to come over.

"The team is now looking sharp and picking up the new game-plan quickly and gelling well, so it's going to be a good year."

Meanwhile, Force and Wallabies flanker David Pocock is on the mend from the thumb he broke after scoring a try in Australia's win at Cardiff over Wales on the grand slam tour.

The 21-year-old is feeling good physically and looking forward to the upcoming Super 14 season.

"I got given the all-clear to get back into full training this week and it's healed well," he said.

"It was a bit crumbly, so they weren't too keen to pin it.

"I spoke to the hand surgeon last week and he said it's coming along really well.

"Since I've been back I have been very impressed. Everyone is very committed and there are a lot of younger guys trying to prove themselves and who seem diligent in their work and keen to learn from the older guys, which is great to see."

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