The value of family can be the greatest motivation for many professional athletes and it's no different for Newcastle Knights recruit Jesse Ramien.
After enjoying a breakout 2018 season with the Cronulla Sharks, which saw him make his mark as one of the most damaging right-centres in Rugby League, Ramien now ventures to the Newcastle Knights after signing a two-year deal.
While the opportunity presented itself as a fresh start within a promising playing roster, it was the chance to be closer to his daughter LaSharn which proved to be the defining factor in putting pen to paper.
"She was definitely one of the main reasons why I moved to Newcastle" Ramien told nrl.com.
"Every player knows if your off field is right, then your on-field [performance] is even better. So, to get my off-field right and move closer to my little girl – she's a massive part of my life and to have her back in it and seeing her every day is amazing."
The 21-year-old has already enjoyed an impressive representative career to date having represented the Junior Kangaroos and NSW Under 20s in 2017.
His blistering form this season, which saw him record 10 tries and 64 tackle-breaks, was recognised with selection in the Prime Ministers XIII side before earning a place in Brad Fittler's Emerging Blues Squad for 2019.
The rewards are a testament to his incredible rise within the mere space of 12 months.
And already possessing a powerful running game and natural talent beyond compare, Ramien now has a golden opportunity to take his game to the next level alongside the likes of Mitchell Pearce and Kalyn Ponga.
Another factor which can prove influential in his Rugby League development.
"That was one of the main reasons (playing with Pearce and Ponga), and also what 'Browny' and others are doing with the club and their plans of the next few years," he said.
"Even last year with how far they come, that's something I can see myself being a part of – being a young player is something I want to come here and bring to the table."
"This club is somewhere I can see myself growing as a player and a person."
Ramien joins David Klemmer, Tim Glasby, Hymel Hunt and Mason Lino as key signings for the Newcastle Knights next season, giving fans plenty of promise as they knock on the door of success for 2019 and beyond.
