A grateful Jarrod Mullen just wants to play footy after the returning playmaker fronted media ahead of his debut at the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

The Falcons have given the former Knights half a lifeline after turning his life around which included being banned for steroids and cocaine abuse.

“I don’t want to prove to everyone.. I want to prove to myself that I can do it,” Mullen said.

“I believe in my ability, I believe in how hard I have trained over the past two years, and the amount of time I have done to get my body in the right shape for the Intrust Super Cup.

“I am looking forward to the challenge – I am under no illusions that it is going to be tough; four years out of the game is a long time, but I have sacrificed a lot to get to get myself back this point.

“I am really looking forward to getting back out there and I can’t thank the Falcons and the Queensland Rugby League enough, and also the Integrity Unit and the whole NRL for giving me a chance at coming back and giving me another chance of chasing my dream.”