But that's not the case for the Narromine Jets' marquee recruit Isaac Thompson.

The Jets junior returns home at just 23 years old and the former Penrith under 20s player, who has been in the Ron Massey Cup in more recent times, doesn't see it as a backward step.

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Instead, the former NSW Country junior sees it as a chance to put his name up in lights again.

"The dream isn't dead and I don't think coming back top the country will affect that in any way," Thompson said after being a confirmed Jets signing on Friday.

"If I can find some good form and ask a few questions I don't see why I wouldn't be able to continue to pursue that dream and get a chance with an NRL club.

"My goal is to play good footy there, help the Jets win as many games as possible, and then keep pushing for that opportunity. By no means is going back to the country a backward step.

"I believe it can do wonders for my footy. There's great exposure out there and I get the chance to lead a team and I'm looking forward to that."

Thompson, who mainly plays at hooker now, departed Narromine as a standout junior following the 2015 season after being snapped up by the Penrith Panthers.

He's been playing in Sydney ever since but got the chance to experience a little bush footy again last year when he joined CYMS for the statewide Presidents Cup after COVID-19 forced Sydney competitions to be cancelled.

"After getting a taste of being back at home last year and seeing how good it was being around family and friends and playing with mates, this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," Thompson said.

"I'm looking forward to getting out there and giving back to a local junior club that gave me so much and allowed me the opportunity to get me to where I got to."

While he's delighted to be heading back to Group 11, the decision was one Thompson didn't make lightly.

He will remain living in Sydney and will travel back but is committed to the deal and will get back to training as much as he can.

"I want to make sure by coming back I'm giving them everything I can to contend for a premiership," he said.

The Jets showed a huge amount of potential in a tight round one loss to Macquarie and seeing that result made Thompson even more excited to return home.

"They feel like they can be competitive this year and I agree," he said.

"After chatting to some family members and friends we feel the Jets are in a good position to be competitive this year and I've had all good reports after round one and I took that into account.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the boys and being part of what I believe is one of the best cultures I've been a part of."

Thompson will return for the Jets on Sunday when the side travels to Parkes for a round two meeting with the Spacemen.

Kick-off is 2.30pm.

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