It's been a hectic trip from Baralaba to Bishop Park but Connor Broadhurst's rugby league journey is a long way from over.
Broadhurst is the Devils' first high-profile recruit for 2019, moving from Rockhampton where he played in the centres this year for the Capras.
The stint was a homecoming of sorts for Broadhurst who grew up alongside childhood friend Corey Oates in Baralaba.
He would move to Bluff and Blackwater as a child before his league journey took him south to Parramatta, north to the Gold Coast Titans and eventually to the Burleigh Bears.
Broadhurst spent three years with the Bears, winning a premiership in 2016 and continuing his goal to reach the NRL.
Given the many places he's called home, it's easy to forget that Broadhurst is only 24 years old. He's on track to play his 100th Intrust Super Cup game in 2019.
"I've been fortunate to get plenty of experience through the (NRL) Under 20s and then the Queensland Cup so that's helped to develop me," Broadhurst said.
"As a semi-professional or professional, the goal for most players is to reach the highest level of football. My goal is the NRL and that hunger is still strong.
"I won't quit. I've sacrificed a few things over the years so I'm determined to get there."
Broadhurst's signing with Norths puts him within the wider Brisbane Broncos system with Oates, a team-mate in their earliest footballing years.
He was attracted to the Devils after speaking with coach Rohan Smith and watching from close range as Norths defeated the Capras late in the season.
"There was a lot of ball movement that night that isolated some of our forwards. That type of ball movement gets a lot of players involved," Broadhurst said.
"Some of the players I know well who have been at Norths have spoken very highly of the system that Rohan has in place here.
"I spoke to Rohan and he had some ideas how I could improve my game so I'm confident I can continue to develop here."
Broadhurst has already taken a teaching job since moving from Rockhampton. He's teaching at Beenleigh State High School, which also has ties to the Broncos.
He completed a Diploma in Education to follow the degree in Exercise and Sports Science completed while he was a regular in the NRL Under 20 competition.
"I'm looking forward to living here and seeing what comes in 2019," Broadhurst said.
"It's been a good start to the pre-season."
