Armed with renewed confidence and maturity after an eye-opening stint in the English Super League, St George Illawarra returnee Adam Quinlan believes patience is the key to rebuilding his once-promising NRL career.
Quinlan rejoined the Dragons on a one-year deal earlier this month after his move to Parramatta 12 months ago failed to get off the ground.
He left the Eels in July without a single appearance in first grade, heading to the UK for a 12-game cameo with St Helens and straight onto a path of self-discovery.
But home is where the heart is and Quinlan always felt an eventual return to his old stomping ground would be fitting.
It happened a lot sooner than he or anyone else expected, but the 23-year-old has no doubts he has come back a better player.
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The Dragons obviously agree if there's any truth to rumours that NSW Origin fullback Josh Dugan will be shifted from his preferred position to the centres to accommodate Quinlan.
"I only left a year ago but it seems a lot longer than that," Quinlan said.
"I left here on good terms and went to Parramatta for an opportunity there and it didn't really go to plan, which was disappointing."
"When the opportunity popped up in England I was a bit worried about it at the start because it was a big move, but I'm really glad I took it because I went over there and learned a lot about football.
"I got to see the other side of the world and made some good mates over there, and then to come back so soon and get another opportunity back here at the Dragons, I couldn't be happier."
