Between long shifts as a factory worker and 90-minute round trips to training with the Redcliffe Dolphins former Dragons back-rower Jake Marketo had plenty of time to think.

The former junior star thought about his first shot at the NRL - a 14-game stint between 2010 and 2012 - and how he let it get to his head. He thought about his former junior teammates enjoying NRL careers and how badly he'd like another chance.

For two years plying his trade in the Queensland Cup Marketo thought about little else.

"I learned a lot from moving away," Marketo said.

"You find out who your friends are and also what's important to you. Growing up I never had a job, it was always footy. I never really learned stuff away from footy and how hard it can be.

"Up in Queensland I was working in a factory and driving 45 minutes to and from training ... you've got a lot of time to yourself and you think 'I could be doing something else'.

"That's why I really appreciate being allowed to come back down to the club. I've got a second chance I'm really looking forward to it."

While he's quickly brought himself up to speed physically after two years away, Marketo said it is a shift in attitude that has left him better equipped to make the most of his NRL second coming.

"My attitude now compared to what it was two years ago ... I think if you asked lot of people they'd say it's a million times better," he said.

"The first time around I had a bit of an ego and it went to my head a little bit when I played that half year [in 2012]. That came back to bite me on the bum.

"I try to live my life now by doing the right thing by people who do right by me which is obviously Mary and the club and I'm looking forward to doing the right thing by them and the boys as well ... "

Marketo's situation is far from unique in the Dragons squad with several players training and playing for their futures on short-term deals. It's an environment that has brought the best out of the extended squad according to the 25-year-old back-rower.

"You can tell everyone really wants it," he said.

"We're not just going through the motions, everyone wants to be at their best and give some headaches to the guys who have to pick the side.

"Once I get that shot I'm looking forward to grabbing it with both hands and not letting it go this time," Marketo asserted.