Cornforth has returned to Canberra club rugby this year after a three-season stint in the semi-professional ITM Cup in New Zealand.

The former Brumbies Academy star and Canberra Vikings premiership winner is setting his sights on a spot in the new National Rugby Championships at the end of Royals’ season.

Spending time with San Antonio Spurs future NBA Hall-of-Famers Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili earlier this year while visiting cousin Mills in the United States has helped inspire Cornforth’s Canberra second coming.

Cornforth and Mills grew up together and call each other bala – the Torres Strait Island word for brothers.

Mills’ NBA stocks are on the rise, taking on a pivotal role with the Spurs to lead them into the Western Conference finals as they aim for a championship.

“We speak every day, I was in San Antonio in March for my birthday and without a doubt Patty is a very awesome athlete and is taking ownership this year,” Cornforth said.

“My dream was to make the NBA when I was growing up watching guys like Michael Jordan. The life of an NBA player is huge and it’s good to see Patty, a member of the family, playing on the big stage. We’re pretty much brothers, I’m so proud of him and it rubs off on me.”

Cornforth and Mills’ careers have mirrored each other.

Cornforth was a junior star with the Brumbies and on the verge of making his Super Rugby debut before he snapped his fibula and tibia and feared his career was over.

“People keep asking when I’m going to give up, but I feel I’ve still got a lot more to give rugby. I still have the passion to play and want to continue until I can’t any more,” Cornforth said.

Mills was drafted into the NBA in 2009 but injuries delayed his rise in the league of superstars and megabucks, but he has now established himself as a crucial player in the Spurs' championship hopes.

Cornforth left Royals three years ago to test himself in New Zealand in the ITM Cup but said it was time to return home.

After a career dogged by injuries – a broken leg, broken jaw, four dislocated ribs and ankle problems – Cornforth, 30, hopes he can help lift Royals to a premiership.

He was part of the Canberra Vikings triumph in the Brisbane competition when Laurie Fisher was coaching and is part of the Vikings' NRC training squad this year.

“It’s different here, in the ITM Cup you’re playing against All Blacks and Super Rugby players,” Cornforth said.

“I’m interested in the NRC, but I have to perform to get looked at. But I’m just worried about Canberra Royals at the moment and hopefully going well. I felt I was close to the Brumbies when I broke my leg and I look back and wonder 'what if', but things happen for a reason.”

Royals play Easts at Phillip Oval on Saturday. Easts are searching for their first win of the season, while Cornforth said Royals were desperate to stake their claim to be a contender.

JOHN I DENT CUP

Saturday: Royals v Easts at Phillip Oval, 3.05pm; Gungahlin Eagles v Queanbeyan Whites at Nicholls Enclosed, 3.05pm; Tuggeranong Vikings v Wests at Viking Park, 3.25pm.