Te Maire Martin got through 51 minutes in a successful return to the field, turning out for NZ Warriors' New South Wales Cup reserve grade side.
Martin, 27, hasn't played since round six of the NRL, after he suffered a broken leg in the Warriors' loss to Newcastle Knights.
But after months of recovery, Martin was made available to make his playing return, firstly named as part of the Warriors' wider squad to face St George Illawarra Dragons, before dropping to reserve grade.
Starting at five-eighth, Martin created two tries, made one line-break, to go with 11 tackles, as the Warriors ran out 42-12 winners.
Martin's return comes at the perfect time for the Warriors, who lost five-eighth Luke Metcalf to a hamstring injury in Friday's 18-6 victory over the Dragons.
While worrying for Metcalf, coach Andrew Webster assured the injury happened on the opposite hamstring that kept the 24-year-old sidelined for the opening 12 rounds of this season.
Warriors medical staff will assess Metcalf's injury this week in order to determine its severity.
Should Metcalf be ruled out, Martin would loom as a likely replacement in the No.6 jersey to partner Shaun Johnson.
Otherwise, Ronald Volkman, who's been a key performer in the Warriors' run in the New South Wales Cup, could slot in at No.6. So far this season, no player has scored more points in the New South Wales Cup than Volkman's 178.
Otherwise, utility Dylan Walker could also move into the halves, having done so three times this season.
However, those three appearances at No.6 have all resulted in Warriors defeats, in losses to Melbourne Storm, Sydney Roosters and Penrith Panthers.
The Warriors finish their regular season away to Dolphins next Saturday, but are guaranteed a top four finish after Friday's win over the Dragons.
Join Newshub at 5pm Saturday for live updates of the Warriors v Dolphins NRL clash
