Speaking ahead of his return to Canberra Stadium tomorrow, Costigan revealed how injury and a waning desire to play combined to destroy his 2008 campaign.

But after reuniting with master coach Wayne Bennett at the Dragons, Costigan said he was now nearing career-best form heading into the clash with the Raiders.

''It was probably the worst year I've had playing footy and I just needed just to get away from things that reminded me of that and get to a new place and get a new start,'' Costigan said.

''The Raiders were a good club to be at, but I just think I needed that change.

''Getting back with Wayne has probably been the best thing I've done. It's definitely turned my footy around. I got along well with him when I was at the Broncos and he's good to me here as well.''

Costigan's final year at the Raiders was marred by persistent quadriceps injuries, while he was also dropped back to the Queensland Cup for form reasons late in the season.

Unwanted by the Raiders, Costigan was poised to sign with the Melbourne Storm until Bennett called and urged him to join the Dragons.

More Raiders news in today's Canberra Times