While only an NRL trial, it's a game that's been five years in the making for Melbourne Storm winger Sandor Earl.
The 29-year-old will run out in the Storm's senior side to face the Warriors in Geelong on Friday night.
The former Canberra Raider spent four years out of the game after he was suspended for using and trafficking banned substances.
Thrown a career lifeline by Melbourne, he was to make his top level return in 2018 but required a knee reconstruction after a pre-season injury.
Earl, whose last NRL game was round 24 in 2013, says he's done everything he can to prepare for his comeback.
"I've done the full pre-season, which was the toughest I've ever done, so I'm looking forward to playing and ripping in," he said.
"I know my role and I know what I want to do for the team and I just want to go out and do that.
"I'm ready to write that next chapter."
Earl said his motivation was repaying Melbourne for the faith shown in him, firstly by welcoming him into the club after his ban and then standing by him through his injury.
"I'm just so grateful and I'm just using that as fuel; everything the club's done for me.
"It's not as much about me as it might of been a year ago - whether it's the support I've had from fans, family, friends and the coaches here, they've gone above and beyond."
As part of a 28-man squad Earl is expecting to play about 60 minutes at the Cats' AFL home ground, GMHBA Stadium, with first-choice winger Josh Addo-Carr rested.
Scott Drinkwater will get first crack at the retired Billy Slater's fullback spot.
His rival Jahrome Hughes was named on the bench but the Storm said on Thursday he wouldn't play.
Brodie Croft is starting halfback, partnering Billy Walters.
Big names in the form of Cameron Smith and Cameron Munster won't play.
