Warriors hooker Nathaniel Roache was nearly in tears, as he ran onto the Mt Smart Stadium against the Bulldogs last Saturday after a long injury layoff.
The 22-year-old, regarded as one of the club's brightest prospects, battled through two career-threatening injuries to feature in his first NRL match in 573 days, after last playing in round 23, 2017 against the Canberra Raiders.
After recovering from a hamstring injury, Roache then ruptured his right Achilles tendon, which ruled him out for the remainder of that season and then in January 2018, he needed surgery on a lumbar disc injury that kept him out of action last season.
In his return match, Roache played 56 minutes and scored a try, as the Warriors beat the Bulldogs 40-6 to sit top of the NRL standings after the opening round.
His performance earned him another start in the nine jersey for Sunday's away match against the Wests Tigers, with regular Issac Luke named on the extended bench after shoulder reconstruction.
"It was awesome and a feeling that was long-awaited for me," Roache said. "Running out was probably the biggest thing.
"I was telling my family I couldn't wait to run out there and see the crowd and get all the emotion, and it was exactly what I expected.
"I was almost going to cry to myself, to be honest, but then I had a little moment where I smiled [and said], 'Oh, we're back, let's go have some fun'.
"I've been on the sidelines for almost two years, so to be back out there playing was a pretty awesome feeling."
Returning to the NRL was emotional enough for Roache, but the occasion was already pretty intense, due to the Christchurch terror attacks, which affected the whole team.
The club opened the gates for free to bring people together and observed a moment's silence before kick-off.
"We actually had a moment to ourselves where we all came together and said a little prayer for them," Roache added.
"We came together and said 'we'll not only do it for ourselves and start the year off right, but we'll do it for the people of Christchurch'."
Roache added the Warriors, who face the Sea Eagles in Christchurch on March 30, are planning something special for the fixture.
Before then, they must get past the Tigers, who beat Manly 20-6 in their season-opener.
He will go against veteran Robbie Farrah, who was influential in the Tigers' win.
"He is a very crafty player, a lot of experience behind him, so I'm looking forward to the challenge.
"He will send some of those big boys at me, so hopefully, I have packed the overalls and have a good day."
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