Since he was signed to the Melbourne Storm as a 19-year-old, Kuskey has suffered three serious knee injuries, each putting him on the sidelines for a full season.

When he moved to Mount Isa last year for an engineering apprenticeship, he was happy to give the game away in a bid to focus on his career.

Earlier this year he was lured back to the playing fields when former East Brisbane teammate Ben Watt, the coach of Town in the Mount Isa Rugby League A-grade competition, offered him a place at the club.

“I was at the gym one afternoon and I ran into Ben,” Kuskey said.

“He said he was coaching for the first year at Town and asked me if I could help him out.

“As it turns out he doesn’t really need any help, but it’s good to be back playing.”

It has been a match made in heaven for the reigning premiers - Kuskey has scored three tries in each of his past three appearances.

Last Sunday, against Black Stars, he was clearly best on the ground and was able to play in a number of roles, from hooker to the halves and even a stint out wide near the wings.

Kuskey, now 23, comes from a strong rugby league family.

His younger brother Brent captained the Queensland Under 19s side two seasons ago and has been a star at both Queensland Cup level and in the Bundaberg A-grade competition for the Wests Panthers.

Their father Tracey coaches the Panthers and has made them one of the most successful sides in the Bundaberg competition.

Aaron was looking forward to playing under his father and alongside his brother two seasons back, but once again his troublesome knees forced him off the field.

A natural leader, Kuskey captained Town on Sunday in the absence of Watt and regular team leaders Zeb Kyle and Darren Munns.

Already he has a good rapport with his new teammates and has become an important cog in the side.

He now has just one thing to learn - the Town club song.

“We’ve got the words on the wall but it can be hard to follow,” he said.

“Hopefully we keep on winning and I can get some more practice.”