Warriors legend Ruben Wiki will make a comeback more than eight years after retiring at the Downer NRL Auckland Nines at Eden Park on February 4 and 5.
Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney is yet to name his 18-man squad for the fourth NRL Nines tournament but today confirmed his former Kiwi team-mate will fill one of the spots.
Wiki, who turns 44 this Saturday, will swap his regular role as the club’s NRL 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 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."
