Group 20 rugby league
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RYAN McGoldrick believes his shift to Darlington Point-Coleambally will help restore his love for rugby league after it was tested in the latter stages of his eight-year stint in England.
The 33-year-old is all set to make his debut this weekend against the Griffith Black and Whites after arriving back in Australia - for the first time in four years - last week.
McGoldrick said the time was right to return home following a storied Super League career with Castleford, Hull and Salford City.
But his career in England turned sour last year when Salford's previous owner went bankrupt and the club was taken over by a Kuwaiti businessman, with the uncertainty of that transition "ruining the fun" of rugby league for him.
McGoldrick turned down offers to play in the Queensland Cup or with a number of other sides based on the east coast.
But the question remains - why come to DPC?
"I think the missus might be asking me that as well," he laughed.
"It just felt right.
"It's a good opportunity to get away from everything I've been used to for the last eight years.
"It's just something different. I grew up out west in a little place called Wandoan (in Queensland) which only had about 400 people, so I'm used to small places.
"Everyone I've met has been really good so far and welcoming and that's another great thing about the bush - you tend to find people are a little bit more willing to go out of their way to help you and make you feel at home."
McGoldrick said it felt good to be surrounded by players who are involved with rugby league not as a professional pursuit, but purely for the love of the game.
DPC Roosters president Steve Hogan was the man who convinced McGoldrick to ignore all other suitors and join the resurgent Group 20 club - but at no stage did he guild the lily.
"He was pretty up front with me saying they've lost a few players and were in a bit of a rebuilding phase," McGoldrick said.
"They've managed to pull a few people together and it looks like they're doing alright.
"Hoges is big on developing the juniors and having a pathway for them to come through as well - I've grown up in all those systems so it'll be good to get involved in that."
McGoldrick took in Griffith's home loss to Leeton on Saturday night and said he would play in whatever position DPC captain-coach Jay Little wants him to.
"I'll just stay out of the front row - there's a few big boys in there," he laughed.