ST GEORGE Illawarra recruit Neville Costigan is on a quest to reclaim his reputation as one of the most feared men in the NRL.

Costigan rose to prominence last year when he made his State of Origin debut for Queensland.

But the 23-year-old struggled with injury and indifferent form this season and spent most of his time with Canberra's Queensland Cup feeder club Souths Logan or coming off the bench for the Raiders.

The hulking 100kg second-rower yesterday declared representing Papua New Guinea in the World Cup had given him a fresh perspective.

"I've got a couple of goals," he said from PNG's Townsville camp yesterday.

"The first is do everything I can for Papua New Guinea in this World Cup to help us gain respect as a rugby league nation.

"Then I just want to play good footy with the Dragons next year and hopefully go on to make Queensland again."

Costigan has been given an extended break from Dragons pre-season training by incoming coach Wayne Bennett and will not return until December 8.

He is one of several new recruits to join the club under Bennett, including Raiders prop Michael Weyman and Brisbane Broncos star Darius Boyd.

Costigan has previously played under Bennett at Brisbane, where he debuted in the NRL back in 2003, before switching to the Raiders last season.

While PNG have lost their World Cup games against New Zealand and England, Costigan believes it was just the tonic to kickstart his career.

"The World Cup has given me a big advantage," he said.

"It's given me the chance to keep fit while playing and keep motivated for the new season.

"I think I really picked my form up towards the end of the year with the Raiders and I'm looking forward to the new challenge with the Dragons."