Robbie Rochow says he is leaving the Knights because he needs to challenge himself

NEWCASTLE forward Robbie Rochow denies he is leaving a sinking ship, insisting his decision to quit the Knights is about getting out of his comfort zone.

NEWCASTLE forward Robbie Rochow denies he is jumping from a sinking ship, insisting his decision to quit the embattled Knights at the end of the season is about getting himself out of his comfort zone.

Rochow, whose career has been stalled by serious injury over the past two seasons that has restricted him to only playing 13 games, is yet to sign a contract but is set to announce in the coming days he is joining South Sydney on a one year deal for 2017.

He spoke with teammates on Monday about his reasons for knocking back a contract extension at the Knights, saying it was never a lifestyle or financial decision.

Rochow believes he will develop better in a stronger team.

“It was a career decision for myself and where I believe I will play my best rugby league and where I will get the best out of myself,” he said.

“It’s been extremely tough but I just need to challenge myself. I feel like I’m in a bit of a comfort zone here and I know to get the best out of myself, I need to challenge myself.”

It’s understood Rochow told Knights officials he would be forced to push himself harder if he was part of a stronger roster.

“It’s a professional sport and sometimes you can’t live where you want to live and you have to sacrifice something to take yourself out and focus on something greater,” he said.

Asked about the perception from Newcastle fans that he is leaving a sinking ship, Rochow said:

“I don’t believe I am leaving a sinking ship. I just don’t think I would do the club or myself any favours by being here next year.

“I know there is a lot of things that have gone wrong in terms of the position the club is in and the things that have gone against the club.

“But I’m making this decision to try and develop as a person and a player.

“Being injured hasn’t helped my cause because I’m feeling more helpless and I haven’t felt like I could contribute as much as I should.

“But I just feel that I will have to focus on the game more and prepare myself a lot better than what I have been here.”