Tristan Dickson is relishing his return to rugby league and it is showing in his performances.
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Dickson put in a standout effort to help Kangaroos defeat Albury last week and is looking to play another big role against Tumut at Equex Centre on Sunday.
After dazzling for Junee in 2015, where he was Group Nine’s second highest tryscorer, Dickson made the cross code move to play for Riverina League club Mangoplah-Cookardindia United-Eastlakes.
While he showed some potential for the Goannas, where he kicked 25 goals in 17 games, he’s more than happy to be back in rugby league
“I’m loving it here and it’s good coming back to rugby league,” Dickson said.
“It’s a good sport and I love the contact.”
Dickson said the chance to play with more of his mates drew him back to the sport, however a return to the Diesels was never on the cards.
The flyer scored 25 tries in his first season at Junee before being dropped for the Diesels’ last two finals.
It left a bitter taste.
“I wasn’t going back to Junee,” he said.
“Not after the big disappointment at the end of the year with them.
“All my friends have come to Kangaroos too, so they said to come here and I did.”
Dickson said missing out on the two biggest games of the season wasn’t the inspiration for playing Aussie rules.
Instead, the 22-year-old wanted a new challenge.
Since being back in league he’s been selected to play for Riverina and has been happy with how the season has gone so far.
“I’ve been going alright and just trying to do my best,” he said.
“Hopefully we can go alright again this week.”
He’s also relishing player outside of Ben Jeffery and said he’s already picked up plenty of insights.
Jeffery has come into the coaching role at Kangaroos this season and while a natural fullback he’s more than happy for Dickson to wear the number one jumper.
He’s been impressed by the influence Dickson is having with Roos.
“He’s unreal,” Jeffery said.
“He just breaks a game open.
“He’s the quickest player I’ve played with off both feet.”
Coming off their most complete performance of the season, when upsetting Jeffery’s former club, the coach is after another 80-minute effort against a Blues outfit lost for the first time last week.
“If we can replicate that effort we will give ourselves a good chance of getting another win,” Jeffery said.
“You still need to play the right kind of footy and have the same kind of effort to be a chance of winning.”
Jeffery thought the team stuck to their game plan against the Thunder, implementing a strong kick chase.
He’s looking to repeat that against Tumut who will be fired up after losing to Young last week.
“It is going to be a very tough game but it is good we are at home against them,” Jeffery said.