Robert Lui has a number of battles to win even before he starts rebuilding his rugby league career with North Queensland.
But back in the familiar surrounds of Townsville where he grew up and with the support of his new Cowboys team-mates, including close friend and chief rival for the No.7 jumper, Ray Thompson, he feels he can not only turn around his playing career, but also his life.
Lui shared in five straight grand final wins with Thompson as juniors playing for Central Tigers before their careers went in different directions.
He was released by the Wests Tigers late last year following some personal issues, the latest an assault charge, adjourned until March 21 when the NRL season will be three weeks old.
Lui wants the halfback job inside Johnathan Thurston – the world’s No.1 halfback wants to move to five-eighth with a view to filling Darren Lockyer’s place for Queensland.
Despite his off-field dramas, Lui has impressed his new NRL club, shedding some of his off-season weight baggage to be in the frame for their first trial of 2012 against Brisbane in 11 days.
“I always wanted to come back and play with Ray again,” said Lui at Tuesday’s launch of Townsville District Junior Rugby League’s upcoming sign-ons.
“For now, we have to compete against each other for that one spot at halfback.
“If Ray takes it, I’ll be happy for him and, if I get it, I know he will be happy for me.
“We’ll still me best mates at the end of the day because we both love what we do.”
Playing inside a world-class competitor like Thurston will be not be an issue for Lui, who did the job for the Tigers inside Kiwi international Benji Marshall last season.
“I know I can do it. I played inside Benji and other great hookers and halfbacks like Benji and Robbie Farah,” said Lui.
“He (Thurston) has been the best number seven now for a while but I think he wants to play out a bit wider.
“It’s up to the coach to choose out of me or Ray or Ben Jones and Michael Morgan as well.
“I just want to get a chance in the trial against the Broncos … I can’t wait.”
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