Returning to the NRL after a stint in the English Super League has never been an easy task.
As history has proven over the years, players often initially struggle with the step up in professionalism when they come home from the UK.
Just ask Dennis Moran and Rod Jensen, men who have both played in England with Castleford and Huddersfield respectively and understand the challenge involved with a return stint in the NRL after years overseas.
Now part of the First Nations Goannas team to take on Newcastle at Hunter Stadium this Saturday, Moran and Jensen have spent the week training and interacting with the community.
The pair visited Irrawang Public School during the week with Knights' new recruit Michael Dobson and were highly impressed with Dobson's attitude.
So much so, they have no doubts the former Raiders half will more than handle his comeback to the NRL this season.
"It’s good to see Mick back and get the opportunity," says Moran, who played for Parramatta, London, Wigan, Widnes and Leigh during a decade long career in the professional ranks.
"He had been over in England for a while now and he has returned and had another crack at NRL level.
"It just goes to show that he is still capable of playing in the NRL."
Jensen, who played with Adelaide, Canberra and North Queensland in his prime, also agrees Dobson has all attributes required to excel at Newcastle this season.
"I say to the young fella well done, because coming back over to the NRL from England is a huge step," Jensen says.
"Coming from the other side, the coaching over in England is just as good as here.
"There are a lot of Australian players and coaches that go overseas, so coming back I think that’s not too bad.
"But the physicality and professionalism of the NRL is well ahead.
"I know when I was at Huddersfield, the training wasn’t as professional.
"I have no doubt it’s going to be a tough run for Mick coming back, but meeting him he seems very dedicated to it."
Jensen retired in 2008, but will take his place in the Goannas side as a returning legend alongside the likes of Moran, Nathan Blacklock and David Peachey.
The 35-year-old is excited to play, admitting he is a huge fan of the First Nations Goannas vs Newcastle Knights concept and hopes it becomes a regular event.
"I think this game is a pathway that the NRL need to be looking at," he says.
"The big thing that I want to see from this weekend is that this game is an annual event and make sure that it is embraced by the NRL."
Dobson is also understandably pumped about Saturday's trial against the Goannas, his first match in a Knights jumper.
The 27-year-old will play five-eighth alongside half and skipper Tyrone Roberts and is itching to play after a long pre-season.
"It’s going to be good to play my first game at Hunter Stadium," Dobson enthuses.
"After three months of pre-season you just want to play and it will be great to run out there.
"It has been a real challenge with the intensity that the pre-season has been at coming back from overseas.
"I’ve really enjoyed it though.
"It has been pretty tiring, but I’m really feeling the benefits of it now."
Dobson and the Knights' are hoping to see those benefits at Hunter Stadium on Saturday night.
CLICK HERE to purchase tickets for Saturday's match at Hunter Stadium. Gates open at 3pm, the Knights play the Goannas' at 7pm.
TICKET PRICES: General admission: Adults $18, Children $8, Family $45 / Reserved: Adults $25, Children $15, Family $65.
