(Thanks to QT, Jay Buchan) ON one hand, there was comfort in the familiarity of the surrounds.
On the other, Kurtis Lingwoodock felt like the new kid on the block during Ipswich Jets’ pre-season training.
The 2008 Jets grand final forward was greeted warmly by former teammates but had to introduce himself to others.
After injury ruined his 2009 season with the Broncos under-20s, Lingwoodock was expected by some good judges to push into the senior squad last season.
It didn’t eventuate and he was instead farmed out to Broncos feeder club Wynnum-Manly where he claimed a Queensland Cup title.
But fatherhood has seen the 21-year-old re-prioritise.
His ambition for a career in the NRL will not come at the expense of the time he spends with partner Jamie-Lee and 15-month old daughter Charlotte.
Having to commute to train with Wynnum Manly each day meant it did so he was more than happy to return to his old stomping ground.
“I’ve got a little one,” the former Swifts junior said.
“So I want to spend more time with her.”
Lingwoodock’s year at Wynnum-Manly wasn’t wasted.
His Queensland Cup winners medal went some way to easing the disappointment of losing the 2008 grand final to Souths Logan when with the Jets.
“We had a pretty average start to the year,” he said of his season with the Seagulls.
“But as a team we gelled.”
After his frustrations at the Broncos, Lingwoodock gained something else just as important as a premiership.
“I got back to enjoying footy,” he said.
“It was disappointing (not cracking it at the Broncos).
“I wouldn’t have minded a run.
“Now it’s just good to be at home.”
Another player looking to fit back in at the Jets is Josh Costello.
The former Queensland under-19 halfback has recommitted to the club after several years where he drifted away from the game.
“He’s going great,” Jets co-coach Shane Walker said.
“We’re really proud of the fact he’s come back and shown the commitment to be a footballer.
“He’ll be the first one to tell you he lost his way a bit.
“He’s in a lot better shape than what I thought.
“We’re only two days in but he’s shown a willingness not to give up.
“He’s a terrifically gifted player.”