The mullet's gone, but Jack Goodhue's back, with the All Blacks midfielder showing glimpses of his trademark defence during his 40-minute club outing for Shirley.
"Feels like I haven't played footy for a year," said Goodhue.
The day marked a massive milestone - 12 months on from a day he'd rather forget.
"When the doctor first broke the news how bad it was, it kind of goes through your head, 'Is the knee going to be able to function?'"
It certainly did that and Shirley fans were happy to have him.
"I'm really impressed by his leg muscles," said one. "Every time he takes a step, it's like bulge, bulge."
His most loyal fans were also on show, but were disappointed the trademark mullet was gone.
"Bit disappointed," confirmed one. "He would have looked good in blue with the mullet."
"It's not right, aye," said another. "How could he disrespect us like that?"
The new haircut didn't bother his new Shirley teammates and he wasn't the only high-level recruit on show, with fellow Crusaders loose forward Sione Havili also making a six-month injury return.
"I've got a few of the Tongan friends that play here as well and even better playing alongside Jack, as well," said Havili.
Goodhue now hopes he can return to Super Rugby later this month.
"I've got full confidence now that I can get back there," he said. "It's just how long it's going to take, but games like this go a long way to get my confidence back."
Good news for the Crusaders, bad news for their opposition.
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