Cessnock recruit Brayden Musgrove reckons 2020 will provide him with a "good indicator" of what he wants to do next in his rugby league career.
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Musgrove, who had recently linked with Manly from the Knights, is set to return to his junior club when he officially signs with the Goannas over the weekend.
The 21-year-old has attended pre-season training with the Coalfields outfit this month.
"I think next year will be a good indicator of what I really want to do with footy," he said.
"See if I reignite my passion for the game. If I'm happy playing with my mates I'll keep doing that, but if not I'll think about having another crack."
Musgrove, who watched from the stands in September when Cessnock were beaten by Wests in the Newcastle Rugby League grand final, wants to go one better this upcoming campaign.
"I'm keen and I can't wait," he said. "Hopefully we can win a comp. I've always wanted to do that."
Musgrove, born and bred in Kearsley, picked up the sport in his early teens because "a lot of my mates were playing".
After a few seasons with Cessnock age groups he became part of the Knights system, starting with Harold Matthews (under 16s) and progressing to SG Ball (under 18s), NYC (under 20s) and eventually NSW Cup (reserve grade).
Musgrove will reunite with some familiar faces from that time, including fellow Goannas recruits Tyrone Amey and Nick Newman as well as junior teammates Harry O'Brien, Nick Lawrence and Connor Kirkwood.
Musgrove, normally a centre, said he may even end up in the second-row at the Goannas.
While at the Knights in 2018 he underwent knee surgery to repair ACL damage, only making it back on the field midway through this year, and has since suffered groin issues.
After receiving a "surprise" offer from Manly, moving down to Sydney and doing a month of training, Musgrove said "it wasn't for me".
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