AFTER nine years in England, new Pride recruit Sam Obst admits it's surreal being back in Australia. 

Originally from Redcliffe, Obst spent two years at the Sydney Roosters before heading to the UK where he played 194 games for Super League clubs Wakefield Trinity and Hull.

In that time Obst proved himself a skilful and determined footballer, but his success didn't lessen his desire to one day return to Australia.

The halfback played alongside new Pride coach Jason Demetriou at Wakefield and jumped at the chance to link with his former teammate in Cairns.

While he's happy to be back in Australia, Obst is still readjusting to life in his country of origin.

"It's going to be a bit weird because I got used to the English way of life while I was over there,"Obst said.

"It's been difficult getting the little things done since I've been back.

"Just getting a Medicare card has been a nightmare."

And then there's the weather, with the Cairns heat and humidity a far cry from the freezing conditions he was exposed to overseas.

"It's going to take some time to get used to that.

"It's like moving from a freezer to an oven," Obst said. "We were doing our pre-seasons in minus temperatures and snow over there.

"Over here there's dry ground and a bit of heat.

"It's different, but I much prefer to wear shorts and singlets than tights and jumpers during training."

The Pride have high hopes for Obst, who could be the man to help solve the club's playmaking dilemmas.

The 2010 premiers couldn't settle on a first-choice halves duo for much of last season, with Ryan Ghietti, Robert Lui, Shaun Nona, Mitch Seri and Ty Williams used in different combinations throughout the year.

While he can also play hooker, Obst hopes to make the number seven jumper his own.

"Playing halfback would be great, but I'm not the coach," Obst said.

"The coach picks the team. Nothing's a given. I've just to go out and prove myself and give it a real crack."

NEW CAIRNS.COM.AU COMMENT POLICY
We welcome your comments on this story. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Comments submitted without a full name and suburb/location will not be considered for publication. Please read our full comment policy and publication guidelines.

Share this article