Lindsay Thomas has admitted he took the foot off the pedal and needed to go back to the VFL to rediscover what it is that makes him a great player for the Kangaroos.

The 27-year-old was dropped from the North side after the club’s shock loss to the Gold Coast in Round 14 and was forced to play the next fortnight in North Ballarat colours in the VFL.

Thomas told 3AW Brad Scott sat him down and gave him some direct feedback about his recent performances.

“I really had to go back and have a good look at myself and go back to what makes me a good player with a team-first attitude,” Thomas said.

Playing with the Roosters, Thomas’ attitude was encouraging and he said the experience was exactly what he needed.

“Obviously it was disappointing getting dropped. It was something different, I haven’t played in the reserves, I think, for four or five years.

“I went back for two weeks and it was a good eye-opener for me and to see the boys play so well (in the AFL), I suppose, got the hunger back in my belly.”

Thomas was welcomed back into the fold with the substitute vest for the match against Brisbane in Round 17 and played a full game against the Blues on Saturday night.

At his best, he is North’s most damaging and dangerous small forward and has kicked 24 goals for the season so far.

While hitting the scoreboard has never been an issue, Thomas knows it’s the defensive side to his game that needs to stay consistent.

“I wasn’t doing the pressure acts that I usually am known for and kind of got a little bit lazy I suppose,” he said.