Michael Dobson hasn’t played in the NRL for five seasons, but the Knights’ new recruit is confident he can to steer the Club around in the absence of injured five-eighth Jarrod Mullen.
Speaking after training on Wednesday, Dobson says he's excited about his first professional game back in Australia since 2008 when lined up for the Canberra Raiders.
The 27-year-old Junee-born playmaker has a big role to play filling in for Mullen, but on the back of a strong pre-season he insists he is ready to deliver for the Club.
"I'm obviously confident," says Dobson, who played with Hull KR, Catalans and Wigan in the English Super League.
"Since November I've been training with the boys and that's what I've come back to do, hopefully steer them around.
"I've got plenty of experience on my side and hopefully I can take a bit of that out on Saturday."
Asked what it meant to be back in the NRL, Dobson admitted it was the fulfilment of a personal goal to prove he still has what it takes to succeed in Australia.
It's an aim that starts with a strong showing against Penrith in the opening round this Saturday.
"It means a lot," he enthuses.
"I’ve come back here to challenge myself. I went over to there (to England) very young and to be back here and get a start straight up is a massive honour.
"I obviously want to play well, but I’ve got a job to play within the team and I just want to do my role.
"If I do that well, then hopefully I can stay in there and keep doing it.
"It’s a massive honour to get into the starting line-up.
"Obviously it’s bad luck for Mullo, but I’ve got to take my opportunities when they come.
"I’ve got a role to play within the team and I’ve got a job to do."
Dobson says he can't wait to build combinations with the likes of Roberts and skipper Kurt Gidley, who makes his return from off-season surgery on his left foot.
"I think with Gidsy at hooker he is going to add another attacking role there," he says.
"So I just want to be a foil for him and Tyrone and just get the ball around the park.
"I also want to have a good kicking game and do those little things right."
If Dobson's application this summer is any indication, that's exactly what he'll do against the Panthers on Saturday.
