The New Zealand rugby league legend Ruben Wiki will make a comeback for the Warriors at the NRL nines next month, more than eight years after retiring from the sport.
The Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney is yet to name his 18-man squad for the tournament, but has confirmed Wiki will fill one of the spots.
Reuben Wiki during his days playing for the NZ Warriors Photo: Photosport
Wiki, who turns 44 on Saturday, will swap his regular role as the club's strength and conditioning coach to join players he trains - many of whom weren't even born when he began his first-grade playing career in 1993.
"It was a huge buzz when Mooks (Kearney) asked me," said Wiki.
"I might have dropped the hint in the past that I'd like to have a go, especially when guys like Brad Fittler and Steve Menzies were picked, but I didn't think it would happen.
"I've got some work to do getting ready for contact again but I'm looking forward to it. While I'm a bit nervous about it, the thought of pulling on a Vodafone Warriors jersey again is cool. I'm so honoured and excited.
"I've never played on Eden Park either so now I have the chance to run out there in front of my family and thousands of fans. That's unreal."
Kearney, who played most of his 45 Tests for the Kiwis with Wiki, has no doubts that the long-time hard man will be up for the challenge.
"Rubes didn't need much convincing. Put it this way, we certainly didn't have to ask him twice," he said.
Stephen Kearney Photo: PhotoSport
"We told all the players this morning and they couldn't have been more excited.
"While Ruben finished playing quite a few years ago, he has always prided himself in staying in fantastic condition and he's absolutely jumping out of his skin for this.
"This is a huge thrill for his family and for all of us at the club as well as our members and fans. I can't wait to see him back out on the field playing in front of a big crowd at Eden Park and I'm sure everyone else will feel the same."
Wiki, who is a former captain of the Kiwis, played the last of his 312 first-grade NRL games in the Warriors preliminary final loss to Manly at the Sydney Football Stadium on September 27, 2008.
- RNZ
