It's been a long road back for Tautau Moga.
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In the 15 months since his last NRL match there's been a controversial court appearance and further injury setbacks following a fourth knee reconstruction.
But this weekend Moga could put all of that behind him as he prepares for a potential top-grade return with the Newcastle Knights.
The 25-year-old was on Tuesday named in the 21-man squad for Saturday's clash against the New Zealand Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Moga, who may take the place of injured Knights winger Edrick Lee (broken arm), said he wants to repay the club and community if given a chance in the round 16 encounter.
"It would mean a lot," Moga said.
"Just to give back to the community, not only that but back to the club and repay them by playing good footy."
Moga slapped a taxi driver after a Newcastle race meeting in December.
The Knights then fined him $60,000, half of which was suspended subject to good behaviour, and was stood down for two matches by the NRL Integrity Unit.
Moga described the period as "pretty challenging" and expressed remorse for his actions ahead of a possible comeback.
"Just very sorry and very remorseful," Moga said. "I want to put that behind me now and just move forward."
Moga's most recent NRL game was round four last year, when the Knights played against the St George Illawarra Dragons in Wollongong on April 1, 2018.
He suffered a season-ending injury while scoring a try, rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and requiring a fourth lot of reconstructive surgery.
This year Moga has made 10 appearances for Newcastle's reserve grade side in the NSW Cup competition, including three tries, but missed a week in May because of a lateral meniscus issue with his knee.
"I'm feeling good and I'm just happy to be back out there amongst it playing footy," he said. "My body is going good. I'm just trying to get the match fitness back."
Moga said he feels confident of striking up combinations with teammates.
"The boys have been going good and anyone that's been slotted in has been welcomed with open arms because they know they can get the job done," Moga said.
"We're together 24-7 every day training so I'm sure it won't be too hard."
Moga said he expects a "physical" Warriors outfit in Newcastle.
The Warriors were beaten 19-18 by the Panthers in golden point on Sunday while the fifth-placed Knights defeated Brisbane 26-12 on Saturday in front of a home crowd of 24,397.
Moga was hopeful of another strong showing by Newcastle fans at McDonald Jones Stadium this weekend.
"The crowd is really good and gets us home in tough games," he said.
Moga was named in jersey No.21.
He's one of four reserves alongside Aidan Guerra, Brodie Jones and Tex Hoy.
In the absence of Lee and Kalyn Ponga (calf), Hymel Hunt has been shifted from the centres to wing for Newcastle and versatile Kurt Mann moves from fullback to wear the No.3 in his 100th NRL game.
Connor Watson has been listed as the Knights' custodian following a stint at dummy-half with regular hooker Danny Levi now set to return from an ankle injury.
The forward pack has been disrupted by Origin III with Jacob Saifiti replacing twin brother Daniel Saifiti (NSW) in the front-row while overlooked Blues prop David Klemmer goes to lock for Tim Glasby (Queensland).
Pasami Saulo is elevated to the bench.
