Wigan Warriors journeyman Blake Green is planning on using the World Club Challenge to relaunch his NRL career.
The 27-year-old has blossomed in the Super League since joining Hull KR in 2011, culminating in a man-of-the-match performance for Wigan in their grand final win last year in his first season at the club.
Green left the NRL unable to secure a regular place after stints with Parramatta, Cronulla and Canterbury.
Off contract at the end of this year, Green said he had unfinished business in the NRL and wanted to impress Australian clubs in Wigan's world title clash against the Sydney Roosters on Saturday night.
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"When I played first grade in the NRL it came a bit too soon for me and I just wasn't ready," Green said. "I think coming to England has gotten me some more experience and playing first grade every week has prepared me for it. I've still got a season to go at Wigan but hopefully I can come back to the NRL. If that's not the case I really enjoy Wigan and it's helped my game out a lot."
The former Australian Schoolboy spent the bulk of his 43-NRL game career being shifted around positions. He has played only five-eighth in England, leading Wigan to premiership and Challenge Cup success last year.
"Before I left things used to worry and concern me," Green said. "I understand how the game works now and I just have to play footy. We are over here to win the game and [getting a NRL contract] will look after itself. I used to go out and play footy for the fun of it, now I understand where I need to get on the field and what plays need to be put on at certain times. There's a little bit of pressure there but I'm confident I can handle the occasion."
Green will square off against former Parramatta reserve grade teammate James Maloney at five-eighth. He also will oppose one-time Cronulla teammate Sam Moa. "I watch the NRL all the time," Green said. "They've got some outstanding individuals and some powerful humans in their team. We understand how good they are. It's a very good opportunity for myself and Matty Smith to come up against some good halves in Mitchell Pearce and James."
Wigan arrived in Australia on Monday night after beating a weakened New Zealand Warriors side in a trial last week while the Roosters fine-tuned their preparations with players mixed between featuring at the Auckland Nines and a trial win against Newcastle in Wyong.
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