Bronx Goodwin revealed his silent three-year battle with depression after receiving a big boost with selection in premier St George Illawarra's squad for the World Club Challenge.

Goodwin was sacked by Canberra in 2008 for bringing the club into disrepute after a drunken night out.

Shattered and unable to take part in the NRL, Goodwin played country footy in Orange, which every weekend provided a short break from his dark thoughts.

"It gave me a bit of a break but other than that I was pretty shithouse," recalls the son of Dragons' legend, 'Lord' Ted Goodwin.

"It was just so tough, not just footy but life.

"After being sacked and being at rock bottom I was probably clinically depressed I just never went to see anyone about it."

Goodwin was offered a lifeline by Cronulla, but injuries ruined any chance of returning to his promising best in 2009.

The Dragons then offered him a late opportunity in January last year, but a ruptured elbow in the trials ensured another season was down the drain.

The turnaround in Goodwin's personal life hasn't been a quick fix, but the 26-year-old says he's finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

Goodwin booked himself a ticket to the UK for the annual clash between the NRL and Super League premiers on February 27 at DW Stadium after a strong pre-season performance in last Sunday's Charity Shield.

The Dragons easily accounted for the Rabbitohs 32-10 with Goodwin scoring two tries.

His wife and children have moved from Canberra to Sydney to support him and Goodwin is heading to England with a newfound drive.

"It's real good news actually, I haven't had much good news lately footy wise, so to have something like that let me know I'm in the team was sweet," he said.

"It took me three years to get over it and I've gradually been getting better year after year.

"We come to now and I'm actually feeling happier in myself.

"It's just unbelievable, I've got a whole lot ofweight off my shoulders.

"I couldn't sit around and mope around and be in that hole, so I did it for my family. I had to do it for them."

Goodwin has also sourced inspiration from former Raiders team-mate Todd Carney, who eventually overcame his demons to claim the Dally M medal last year.

Carney was the first to be sacked by Canberra in 2008, and then in October of that year, Goodwin was axed after being convicted of assault.

While Goodwin knows it'll be tough to win a place in a full-strength Dragons backline, he's shown initiative to develop himself into a utility option off the bench.

"I'm not too sure (where I'll fit), maybe as an interchange player off the bench," said the New Zealand Maori representative, who is fighting for a new contract beyond 2011.

"I've worked on playing a lot of positions not just fullback or wing ... maybe at hooker and around the ruck area.

"Anywhere in the backs I can play and you've got to let them know that I can fill that spot if they need me."

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