Brayden Musgrove was developing nicely in the nib Newcastle Knights lower grades until heartbreak happened.
Musgrove started the 2018 season in Jersey Flegg but was promoted to ISP NSW early on following good form.
Sadly, his joy was short lived.
A few weeks later Musgrove tore his ACL and spent the rest of the season on the sidelines.
For Musgrove, 2019 is a comeback year.
"My goal is to start playing some good footy again and see how my knee holds up as well," Musgrove said.
"I just want to get back on the field and start playing some footy, then see where that takes me."
A Cessnock Goannas junior, Musgrove was picked up by the Knights at a young age.
"Started playing footy when I was about 12, played at Cessnock," Musgrove said.
SIGNINGS TRACKER: PLAYERS OFF-CONTRACT IN 2019
"Played there for about three years, then got picked up by the Knights in Harold Matts and then ever since then I've just been playing through the ranks here at Newcastle."
Coming through the grades, Musgrove has shared all his rugby league experience with best friend and fellow rookie Brodie Jones.
Coming soon in 2019...
WHAT WE CAN EXPECT FROM EACH NEW RECRUIT
They attended the same school and have both been playing for the Knights since 2014.
Musgrove, who is a powerful centre, has never partnered up with Jones on the same edge but is hopeful that the duo can one day develop a lethal combination.
"I grew up with Jonesy (Brodie Jones), we went to school together as well," Musgrove said.
"He's been playing footy with me ever since I started playing.
"We haven't really played a lot of footy together at the Knights. We haven't really had the opportunity to play together that much.
"Hopefully soon we can get some games together."
