The 20-year-old played in a Riverina League premiership with Wagga Tigers in September but will make the switch back to rugby league this season with Kangaroos.

Having not played league since juniors, neither Kangaroos nor Mascini are sure exactly where he will line-up but he is expected to slot into either the halves or at full-back.

Mascini is looking forward to getting back to his first love.

"I've always wanted to play league," Mascini said.

"I grew up playing league, and AFL, and I do enjoy league more when I'm watching it on TV.

"I've still got lot of good mates at Tigers, but I've lost a few with the Kelly boys and Morton boys moving on. I decided it was time to try something different."

Mascini, the son of Chas, the 1990 Weissel Medallist, was a talented junior with Kangaroos before he had heart surgery as a 16-year-old and was advised to play Australian rules over rugby league.

After 42 senior games for Wagga Tigers and a premiership, he now has the confidence to tackle rugby league again.

"I had to be bigger to go back to league and now I've grown a little bit more I've got the confidence to go back and play rugby league," he said.

"It's what I've always wanted to do."

Mascini said it was not an easy decision to make.

"I felt like I've disappointed a few people at Wagga Tigers, that I've let them down by leaving," he said.

"I did leave the call a bit late and it was tough because I've got a lot of mates there."

Kangaroos president Peter Hurst is thrilled to have Mascini back at the club.

"We'd like to see him reach his full potential as an adult in senior footy," Hurst said.

"The big thing about the club is that we're after quality people and Jake's a good young kid and he fits in well with all the other kids.

"It's a win for us. Slowly but surely we're getting there. We're not out to buy a premiership. We want to foster the talent that we've got and add in some players that can help mentor and bolster our attack."

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