To see the stars posing at the new season launch...

Speaking at the A-League season launch in Sydney, the Johnny Warren Medal-winner said player and club had opened dialogue and that Newcastle had a clear picture of what he expected in a fresh deal.

He also revealed how going from a ‘maybe’ to a ‘definite’ in Pim Verbeek’s mind for the Socceroos was proving excellent motivation for the season ahead.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: “I like to think I stepped up to the challenge last year and this time it’s going to be even harder because of the level of expectation on my shoulders.

“It’s up to me to do one better. I believe that pressure should really bring it out of a good player.

“I’ve been working very, very hard during the off season and I’ve done everything right. I would have liked to have a couple more games under my belt but I’m really looking forward to the challenge of the new season.”

Griffiths will be a marked man this season with guaranteed close attention from opposing defenders. But the striker has vowed not to let others dictate how he plays.

He said: “I’m not going to change my game, I’ll continue to go out there and do my thing.

“I haven’t really set any big targets. The main target is to stay fit and get that first 90 minutes under my belt. First things first.

“Dutchy (Gary van Egmond) hasn’t said too much to me about the year, just to be a leader out there on the park and to lead by example.

“He likes winners, I think I’m a winner and there are plenty of other winners in the team as well.”

Griffiths is adamant there is no focus on retaining his Johnny Warren Medal, much as he’d love to.

He said: “Absolutely not looking at that situation. If the team is doing well then the chances are you’re doing well.

"Personal achievements like the Johnny Warren and the golden boot come as a result of a team effort. If the team’s struggling then you don’t get those honours. It’s about the team.”

Griffiths is pleased that his desire to get contract talks moving has resulted in a first meeting and he is hoping for a speedy resolution.

He said: “We’ve sat down and talked about it (a contract). Only time will tell where my future lies.

"It’s not an offer on the table as such. I just told them what I wanted in financial terms. I gave them a figure and now I’m waiting to hear back from them.

“The length of a deal is not a problem or issue.”

Griffiths is also looking to press his international claims this year and convince Pim Verbeek that he deserves to be a regular member of the set up.

He said: “The international thing is there. Every time I have a hill run or a hard training session, the Australia thing is at the back of my mind driving me.

“It’s all very well having one good season but I’m sure Pim’s asking himself if I can do it again. I’m sure he wants me to do it again and I believe I can do it again.

“I just want to do well and really give Pim a headache when it comes to selection.”

The first step to convincing Pim he’s no one-season wonder comes against Central Coast Mariners on Friday night.

“These are the games players love to play in,” he said. "There are plenty of talking points, it’s a derby, the fans don’t see eye to eye, you name it.

“We’re just determined to get off to a good start."

To see the stars posing at the new season launch...