When Kieran Foran runs onto Mt Smart Stadium with the Kiwis on Saturday, he'll experience a feeling that, at one stage, he thought he may never get a chance to savour again.
After injuring his shoulder in his last test match against Great Britain back in 2019, Foran admitted he thought his international career could be over.
"For sure, when I did my shoulder back then it was definitely a crossroads in my career," Foran said.
The 31-year-old played his first test in 2009 and has spent more than his fair share of time sidelined with injury, which makes this weekend all the more special for the 22-test veteran.
"I'd had a number of injuries and I wasn't sure whether I'd be able to even continue playing," said Foran. "But it's been great, still loving rugby league. To be selected, to be a part of this team, it's a great honour."
That 2019 injury sidelined him for seven months. But he fought back to full fitness and top form with Manly Sea Eagles, and now he's preparing for a mammoth clash with Mate Ma'a Tonga.
After it was nearly snatched away forever, being back in the black jumper is what Foran values most.
"Oh it's everything. It's what you dream about as a young Kiwi boy. Every time I get the opportunity I jump at it. I just can't wait to get out there."
Primarily a halfback, Foran is likely to come off the bench as cover for Brandon Smith at hooker, picked to bring experience to a talented, but brand new, spine combination.
"I think just being around them, being a guiding hand throughout the week," said Foran. "All these guys have been playing exceptional footy for their clubs.
"I guess for myself, just being around them if they needed a chat or asking what test matches have been like in the past - I've been able to talk them through it.
"You don't care where you play. And I said that to [coach Michael Maguire]. I said 'mate, I don't know what you're looking at going for, but I'll play anywhere for you'."
The team first mentality is shared throughout the squad in what's been a crucial week off the field too.
"It's been an awesome week," said wing Jordan Rapana. "It's been a long time coming. We haven't been able to get together as a country and play a test for quite some time."
But on Saturday, they'll have their work cut out for them to silence the sea of Tongan red, with Mt Smart completely sold out, which is music to the ears of NZ Rugby League chief executive Greg Peters.
"It puts the spotlight on New Zealand," Peters told Newshub. "It puts the spotlight on rugby league in New Zealand, the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and the Warriors, so that's just gold for us."
Join us at 5:40pm Saturday for live updates of the Kiwis v Tonga test
