Looking for a fresh start: Earl. Credit:Jay Cronan "I feel I've had moments where I've been able to showcase my hard work and talent. I really want to test myself. I don't want to come back, for the story to be that I played one game after four years. "I really want to come back and see how far I can get. Hopefully, with a bit of luck on my side and everything I've learned, I can do something special." Earl has spent a large portion of his suspension operating a gym and cafe in Thailand, but is now preparing to open an F45 Training centre after resettling in Melbourne. The 27-year-old initially found it hard watching games, but has a renewed passion for the sport and wants to be remembered for more than his drugs dramas. "We are nearly four years in, all the facts are out there," Earl said.

"The public had their perception based on some pretty crazy media articles during the first six months. But now people have got the facts and the perception has changed. "I don't want people to feel sorry for me, but at the end of the day, I was hard done by. I think everyone gets that. People around me want to see me get back into doing what I enjoy doing and have a crack. "Once I start playing, everything else can be put into the past. Then I can go out on my own terms, that's a big motivator." Earl made 48 NRL appearances during his stints at the Roosters, Panthers and Raiders but is keen to add to the tally. The winger believes the long sabbatical will extend his career. "I personally think I've got a lot to give," he said.

"If you look at my track record with the things I've gone through, it always seems to come in waves – whether it be my debut, right up until the time I left, injuries, form, being suspended. "I feel physically I am really ready. I've been able to achieve a lot in my time away from the game. It's given me an opportunity to really work on myself. I haven't had any injuries and been away from the week-to-week grind. I'm really ready. "Mentally, I've just grown up so much. I always say it's not a privilege to be an NRL player because they work so hard to be where they are, but once you get away from that life and bubble you realise what it's like outside of football. "I train just as hard and no one pays me, you learn not to take things for granted. "I want to come back and do something great for myself, my family, my friends and everyone who has supported me.

"I want to go out on my own terms." Asked about a potential comeback this season, Earl said: "It's probably not attainable really because I can't train with the team. Considering how far it is into the season, it's a major disruption. "As much as I am super-keen to get back in and am confident in my ability, I'm not Jarryd Hayne switching from the 49ers. "I'll be in a position to really pursue the next pre-season."