Canberra Raiders back-rower Joel Thompson wants to use his NRL return to begin repaying the club for its support of his off-field troubles.
Thompson will make his first NRL appearance of the season when the Raiders take on the Newcastle Knights at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Saturday.
He will do so with the spectre of an upcoming assault trial looming over him.
Thompson admitted he had endured a tough five months, after being charged with assaulting then-girlfriend Danielle O'Brien in February.
He is scheduled to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court on October 22 to defend the charge.
With the remainder of the season in front of him before the court hearing, Thompson said he just wanted to ''play good footy for the club and pay them back for what they've done for me''.
Thompson's chance to repay the club comes after a string of near misses.
The 20-year-old has served as the Raiders' 18th man four times this season, warming up with the team as cover for any last-minute mishaps.
In the meantime he has been in stellar form for Queensland Cup side Souths Logan.
More Raiders news in today's Canberra Times
Email a friend