Rugby League: Hit man has a new contract

By PETER JESSUP

Knights prop Matt Jobson is leaving Newcastle for Auckland for a variety of reasons.

There's the preferred Origin props Matt Parsons and Josh Perry in front of him. There's the salary cap meaning the Knights didn't up his wages offer when his contract expired.

There's the opportunity to join the fearsome and heavyweight Warriors pack, playing behind Stacey Jones.

And he rates Daniel Anderson as a coach, given he has brought the team off struggle street.

"I wanted to continue my education as a footballer," Jobson said. "There's nothing guaranteed to me at the Warriors but yeah, I'd like a starting spot. Nothing's going to be easy over there with the guys they've already got but I find that exciting rather than daunting. I'm looking forward to being part of a team that has so many internationals in it."

Jobson, 22, will play his 21st NRL game against the Warriors tonight after a start towards the end of 2001 was hampered by ankle injury.

He had no part in the Knights' 30-24 grand final victory over Parramatta in 2001 but played the world club challenge match against Bradford in January last year, a 41-26 loss, but he still rates that as his biggest game.

Jobson was born in Maitland, inland from Newcastle. His policeman father was transferred to the Blue Mountains then Sydney before retiring back to the steel city, where the prop was raised.

He has played league in the Knights' domain since he was six.

"The move away is going to expose me to a lot of different things socially and on the field. I'll learn new methods in the game. I'm looking forward to getting to know the culture over there and I think it's going to help me grow as a footballer and a person," Jobson said.

He needs a geography lesson.

"I love being on the coast. I guess being away from it is something I'll have to get used to."

He is on a two-year contract "but they've told me they want me to be part of the plan longer-term".

He took that option ahead of the Knights' rolled-over offer and one from Wests Tigers.

Jobson has grown into the NRL in a dominant side - hence more questions about why he would want to leave.

"I was at the stage in my career where I thought I was worth a certain amount and the Knights were unable to offer it to me.

"It's been good running out with Andrew Johns and Ben Kennedy. We're a tight bunch at the Knights. But I'm looking forward to playing with that Warriors pack too.

"I want to play finals football and I believe they've got what it takes, I think they're going to be up there, with Stacey and Daniel Anderson there, so I'm happy to be part of it."

He did a real estate traineeship as his football career was kicking off but has not had to use the knowledge and does not plan on going back to that just yet.

Jobson said he would run out tonight as he always did, not trying to prove anything other than he can play consistently at the standard that prompted the Warriors to sign him. "I'll be playing hard and fair and I'd expect the same from the Warriors forwards and we'll develop some respect that way."

Inside track

Name: Matt Jobson

Born: October 1, 1980, Maitland, NSW

Junior club: South Newcastle

Position: Prop

Height: 1.85m

Weight: 98kg

NRL debut: R15 2001, 20 games.

Signed with the Warriors for 2 years