After securing a Raiders homecoming, Nick Cotric has opened up about his solitary season at the Bulldogs.

The crafty winger signed a three-year deal with the Canterbury Bankstown club in July 2020, linking up with his new team for the 2021 season.

In his 14 appearances last year, Cotric was a part of only two wins before a toe injury suffered in training cut his season short as the Bulldogs took home the wooden spoon.

With a range of new signings joining the club in 2021 and 2022, coach Trent Barrett and general manager Phil Gould were open to a move for the young winger and discussions began with the Tigers and Raiders.

Despite having a nightmarish tenure at the Bulldogs, Cotric said his time in Sydney had been an experience he can learn from.

“Footy is such a rollercoaster and we weren’t getting the results we wanted. It was a disappointing year but these things happen. You lose a bit of fun.

“Mentally going through what I did last year has made me a lot stronger. Sitting at home watching footy, I also observed the game in different ways.”

The Tigers held discussions with Cotric about a potential move, meeting with Tim Sheens and Michael Maguire but the 23-year-old had his heart set on a return to the nation’s capital.

After securing his signature late last year, Ricky Stuart will be pleased to welcome their homegrown star back into the squad, signing a three-year deal until the end of 2024.

Between 2017 and 2020 Cotric played 93 games for the Raiders, scoring 46 tries and recording a 54% win rate and helping the club to the 2019 grand final.

“It was a tough decision because I have a few good mates at the Tigers,” Cotric said.

“But I knew this is where I could play my best footy. Ricky told me that this is my home.

“It’s been the best decision. I have tingles already thinking about playing again. It’s a bit surreal. In my gut I always thought I would be back here one day. It came earlier than I thought.”