Homesick prodigal son Shane Watson believes his return to Queensland will help him break into Test cricket.

A month after being named Tasmania's 2003-04 player of the year, Watson revealed he would leave his adopted state largely due to family and lifestyle reasons.

The 22-year-old all-rounder, in the Australian one-day squad to tour Zimbabwe next month, also admitted the chance to slot into the Bulls line-up and continue to work with Cricket Academy coach Bennett King weighed heavily in his decision.

"My heart is in Brisbane and there's certain things that fitted in perfectly for me to come home," he said.

"Playing in Queensland is a big part of my decision. I know I can continue to develop my cricket and take it to the next level as well.

A medium-pacer and top-order batsman, Watson said the chance to bowl regularly on a Gabba pitch, which favoured good seam bowling, and the fact the No.4 batting position had been vacated by Stuart Law assisted his choice.

He reaped 983 runs at 52.23, including four centuries, batting at No.4 for Tasmania last season.

One of Australia's most promising players, Watson missed the 2003 World Cup due to a back injury but his adjusted action has given him hope to become a frontline bowler.

He said he sorely missed his family while in Hobart, as well as Brisbane's warm climate.

"I never really got used to the weather," he said, "I'm just very excited about moving back home now."

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