Super League 2016 - Castleford Tigers: Returning Crooks looking to make up for lost time in Oz

The centre left Hull FC for Sydney at the end of 2014 but didn’t get an NRL game for the Eels last season and spent his time largely playing with their second-string side Wentworthville Magpies in the New South Wales Cup.

It was a second frustrating campaign on the bounce for Crooks, who found game-time hard to come by at Hull in 2014 despite having won Super League Young Player of the Year the previous season and earning a place in the Dream Team.

Now 22, he is desperate to get going again once more with Castleford, his hometown club, having signed a three-year deal.

“I learned a lot in Australia,” he told The Yorkshire Post.

“I did a lot of growing up really. I was out there with my partner on our own, it’s a completely different environment and I think that helped me mature on and off the field.

“But it (NSW Cup) wasn’t the reason I went out there and a couple of factors contributed. I struggled with a bit of an injury but also Parramatta’s salary cap trouble meant I couldn’t play NRL anyway. It was disappointing but more frustrating than anything as it was out of my control.

“I felt a bit misled and if I’d have known that before going I might have made a different decision. But it’s great to be at Cas now and I’m dying for this season to start.”

Crooks, who will fight Kiwi veteran Jake Webster for a centre role, added: “I’ve had a great pre-season at a great club with a great set of lads so I’m really chomping at the bit for Super League. More than anything, I’m just looking forward to playing again.

“I left in 2014 as a bit of a flop but I’m enjoying my rugby again and I’d lost that when I left. I wasn’t enjoying training or playing and, in this sport, if you’re not enjoying it you’re never going to get the best out of yourself.”

His famous father Lee, of course, remains a legend at Castleford, the former Great Britain prop having captained the club with some distinction, just as he did Hull, too, in the early 1980s.

“There’s pics of me running out as a mascot with him but I have no memories of it,” said Crooks.

“You can’t escape it, though, as there’s pics of him everywhere like lifting the (1992) Regal Trophy. I’ve always known about his Castleford history and it’s something I’m really proud of.

“What he achieved was outstanding and if I do half of that in my career I’d be chuffed. But he’s had his time and now it’s time for me to have a crack.”

Crooks, who has added some much-needed size since last playing Super League, said: “As a kid, I played over the road at (junior club) Lock Lane and after our game we’d all go watch Cas.

“They’re my hometown club so it was hard not to support them. I love the ground and, having spoken to other players, they all say it’s their favourite away venue.

“It’s so old-school; the fans are on top of you, when there’s a big crowd you can’t even hear each other on the pitch, while sometimes – if you’re on the touchline – you can hear exactly what those fans are saying to you!”

Crooks returns to Hull on Sunday – Castleford start at Hull KR.