Knights winger Nathan Ross thriving after belated start to NRL career

But at some point in the not-too-distant future, he hopes to raise the roof at Hunter Stadium with a try, followed by the celebration that became something of a trademark during his days in NSW Cup – a running backflip.

“If I get a winning try there will be a flip of some sort,’’ the former Kurri Kurri fullback said.

“I’m happy to deal with the ramifications from [coach Nathan Brown]. I think it would be something to help bring the crowds back.

“But it would have to be a moment where it’s sealed the game. Only for special occasions. 

“It would be a bit embarrassing if I did a backflip and then we got run down.’’

The son of Mark Ross, who played 124 first-grade games for Penrith, South Sydney and Gold Coast in the 1980s and 1990s, Nathan knows better than most the value of patience.

It was not until late last season, at the age of 26, that he made his NRL debut, after stints with Coogee-Randwick Wombats, Tweed Heads, Burleigh Bears, Toulouse Olympique, Kurri and Lakes United.

Many times along the way, especially when NRL clubs ignored him after finishing as the Queensland Cup’s top tryscorer in 2009, he doubted if he would be given an opportunity in the top grade.

And when eventually the Knights decided to take a punt on the livewire utility back who was carving Real NRL teams up on a weekly basis, he was required to make a significant sacrifice.  

“I was earning 120k in the mines,’’ he recalled.

“I left that for a $25,000 part-time contract with the Knights.

“It was a massive decision, but money doesn’t buy happiness. Now when my son is older, I can talk to him about chasing his dreams.’’

After making six NRL appearances last season – earning an upgraded contract for 2016 with an option for next year – Ross was disappointed to be omitted for round one.

But he has played in Newcastle’s past four games, scoring two tries and eagerly producing hard yards out of his red zone. 

“Now that I’m in there, I’m going to make it hard to take it away from me,’’ he said.

“I’m aiming to make 150 metres a game ... my attack’s never been an issue. I just have to make my one-on-one tackles.’’

Ross’s belated career stands in stark contrast to teammates Daniel and Jacob Saifiti, Sione Mata’utia and Cory Denniss, who all debuted as teenagers.

“My lifestyle away from footy hindered me a little bit. I wasn’t as professional as I could have been,” he said. 

“But I guess footy just kept dragging me back in, and when I became a father, I just decided and give footy everything I had and chase my dream.”