By CHRIS BARCLAY in Sydney
Matt Jobson made his first-grade debut for Newcastle in 2001, but only managed four more appearances for the Knights leading into this season's NRL competition.
Yet the 22-year-old's decision to sign a two-year deal with the Warriors this week was not wholly influenced by the calibre of players in front of him - as his career statistics at the Knights are misleading. The prop/second-rower made his debut against the Roosters in June 2001, but broke his ankle in his next outing and was out for the season.
Last year's pre-season World Club Challenge clash with English champions Bradford saw his injury jinx continue, a leg injury sidelining him for 16 weeks.
He eventually played three games at the tail-end of a season where Matt Parsons and Josh Perry held sway up front and Ben Kennedy, Steve Simpson and Clint Newton were backrow fixtures.
But the 98kg utility has been a regular starter this season or otherwise on the bench, until a minor shoulder injury suffered against Penrith sidelined him late last month.
He will be back in action when the Knights resume after this weekend's bye.
"I've started 10 games this year and been involved in every one bar the last couple. I was always going to be a regular part of the side here," he said.
"It was just a salary cap decision. Because we've so many good players here they have to be paid good money," the Newcastle junior said.
"I've reached a stage in my career where I'm commanding a little bit of money also and, unfortunately, the Knights couldn't fit me under."
Jobson is understood to have knocked back the Wests Tigers before opting to shift across the Tasman. The two-year deal is believed to be worth about A$100,000 ($114,130) a season, but the bottom-line was not the only consideration.
"They [Warriors] are a strong club. I'm going from one strong club to another to further my education. It's the best step for me," said Jobson, who is studying art and teaching.
He played the Warriors in the opening round this season, but was not familiar with New Zealand.
"I've been there a couple of times, but I don't know too much about the place. It will be a new experience."
Jobson did not anticipate any problems adjusting to the Warriors style as both clubs rely on their star playmakers at halfback - Stacey Jones and Andrew Johns.
"The Warriors play around Stacey like we do around Joey [Johns]. A lot of our stuff in the forwards is just about getting our backs in the best position."
- NZPA
* Visit nzherald.co.nz throughout the weekend for Warriors updates.
NRL points table and fixtures
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