Most Canberra Raiders Cup players breathed a sigh of relief when Matt Lewis thought his career was over after almost two years out of the game.
But the Queanbeyan Kangaroos prop and 2013 grand final hero is back terrifying opposition teams to chase another premiership.
Lewis took a break from rugby league in 2015 and his comeback lasted only a handful of games last year before he tore his posterior cruciate ligament.
Lewis thought the injury would end his playing days, but turned up to pre-season this year in the hope of easing his way back into things via reserve grade.
But the Kangaroos are leaning on the hard-hitting front-rower to help fill the holes left by representative players.
"I tore my meniscus in one of the games last year. But we were down on numbers so I said I'd play." Lewis said.
"I got [my knee] strapped up like a mummy, came out, got it stuck in the mud and popped my posterior cruciate ligament."
The Kangaroos play the West Belconnen Warriors at Raiders Belconnen on Sunday as they attempt to cut the Queanbeyan Blues' lead at the top of the ladder.
Lewis' workload is increasing and the Kangaroos are trying to cover for the loss of Jarred Pearce, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
Monaro representative duties and injuries have left holes in coach Aaron Gorrell's side and he was more that happy for Lewis to fill in.
"He brings a lot to the table that not many others can with his aggression. He's got that intimidation factor about him. I'm glad he's on my side," Gorrell said.
Gorrell, a former hooker for the St George Illawarra Dragons, said Lewis "was always going to end up back in first grade".
"We've been low on troops as most sides are with the rep sides playing on the weekend," Gorrell said.
"He played a few games in reserve grade.The last two weeks he's played first grade and he's been enormous for us."
In other games, the Tuggeranong Bushrangers have a tough challenge against the ladder-leading Blues as they attempt to cement a top-four spot.
2017 CANBERRA RAIDERS CUP
Saturday: Tuggeranong Bushrangers v Queanbeyan Blues at Greenway, Woden Valley Rams v Gungahlin Bulls at Phillip District, Yass Magpies vsGoulburn Workers Bulldogs at Walker Park. All games at 3pm.
Sunday: West Belconnen Warriors v Queanbeyan Kangaroos at Raiders Belconnen. Bye: Belconnen United Sharks.