Culina must complete his upcoming Socceroo commitments before he fully beds into life on the Gold Coast, but the former PSV Eindhoven man dropped in at training earlier this week to become acquainted with his new team-mates.

After a gruelling season in Holland, soon to be followed by a series of World Cup qualifiers with the Socceroos, Culina will take a short break before his A-League pre-season schedule kicks into gear.

Once it does though, Thwaite predicts the already high intensity level at training to go up another notch or two.

"When I've been involved with him in Socceroos games and camps he's been very strict and focused in what he expects from everyone else and what he wants to achieve," said Thwaite.

"I know his character and he expects a high level of commitment and performance so it will be up to the rest of the players to adjust and aspire to that.

"He works so hard at training and as a result will set a great example and benchmark in terms of what you have to contribute to be successful."

Culina took in a tour of United's training facilities at The Southport School before fronting local media last Monday and Thwaite expressed his delight that such a prominent Australian player is now to ply his trade on home soil.

"It was excellent for our players and fans to finally see Jason here. In fact, every football fan in the country should be pleased that one of our finest players is now in the Hyundai A-League.

"He's a great spokesperson for the club and the code, as well as a top level role model for our young players.

"Jason will be inspirational to the club and to youngsters throughout the country. You only have to look at where he's played and what he's achieved to know what a great influence he's going to be for all of us, both on and off the park," he said.

Prior to Jason Culina's arrival, 26-year-old Thwaite and wife Chantelle were celebrating their own new arrival following the birth of daughter Portia Renee on May 11.

With the birth scheduled to take place in Cairns and Chantelle already there, the big defender only made it in the nick of time to be by her side.

"She came a bit earlier than we expected! I only arrived in Cairns on the Saturday afternoon and Chantelle's waters broke that evening," said the proud new dad.

"Portia was born on the Monday and it's very exciting for our family. It's marvellous, we couldn't be happier.

"We're back on the Gold Coast now and just trying to adjust to our new routine. The first week was very tiring but we're getting there slowly and learning all about being parents," he beamed.