Former Test flyer Jharal Yow Yeh will cap a remarkable injury return on Saturday night when he wears a Brisbane Broncos jersey for the first time in nearly two years.
After 10 operations on his reconstructed ankle, Yow Yeh will make his club comeback in the centres in the opening NRL trial of 2014 against North Queensland.
The electric winger feared he may never play again after suffering an horrific compound fracture against Souths in Perth early in the 2012 season.
"There were some (mental) demons last year," he said on Tuesday. "But it goes back to the club, and the boys here, and family and friends who have stuck by me.
"I just didn't want to give it up that easy. It took me so long to get where I am now.
"It's been a rollercoaster ride but I'm looking forward to Saturday.
"It will give me shivers to think I'll be putting that Broncos jersey on again."
Yow Yeh accepts he may never rediscover the speed that made him one of the best finishers in the game, putting him in Kangaroos and Queensland Origin jerseys.
Still suffering pain in his ankle in every training session, he admitted he must become a different player to make it back in the top grade this season, but is yet unsure where his best position will be.
"Definitely my speed, I've lost a little bit of, but I've be working for a while," the 24-year-old said. "This is a big pre-season I've had.
"I've got a bit stronger in the gym which has helped me. So maybe just a bit more strength than speed."
"The steps I've taken to get here have been lengthy but I'm taking every day as it comes."
Yow Yeh did make his playing return in the Queensland Cup for his junior club Norths late last season and said that short stint gave him confidence in making the next step.
While it's a long way off, he hasn't given up on a rep career that sadly ended early.
"I'd like to but at the moment I just want to become a consistent NRL player again and I see it as starting from the bottom again."
Former Roosters forward Martin Kennedy will make his club debut in the pre-season clash with the Cowboys at Redcliffe.
