The reaction of the Hunter Wildfires squad told the story according to coach Scott Coleman.
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Mahe Fangupo returns to don the No.9 jersey against Penrith at Nepean Park on Saturday (3pm) in a clash Coleman has described as virtually a "grand final" for both Shute Shield clubs.
The mentor said the news of Fangupo coming back for the last-round encounter was well recieved by his teammates at training on Thursday night.
"All the boys were pretty stoked about it when I told them," Coleman said.
"They are happy to have him back, I'm happy to have him back and I know Mahe is happy to be back as well.
"It's massive for us and he feels like he wants to finish what he started."
A former Tongan representative, Fangupo missed last weekend's loss to West Harbour after a last-minute trip home to Forbes for personal reasons.
However, the scrumhalf has opted to meet the Wildfires when they tackle the Emus at the foot of the Blue Mountains.
Paul Dan, who was called up for Fangupo, drops back to second grade and will then take a spot on the bench.
Hunter and Penrith both re-entered the Sydney competition four months ago after the global coronavirus pandemic saw the original start date postponed.
The Wildfires have one win, one draw and nine losses next to their name. They are 11th on the ladder with 10 points, seven clear of the last-placed Emus (3).
"It's like a grand final to be honest, both teams are going to be up for it and want to finish with a win," Coleman said.
"Penrith already have a place in Shute Shield next year so they will be out to prove a point."
Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union chairman Bill Clifton said on Friday that no decision has yet been made about the Wildfires participating in the 2021 Shute Shield season.
Clifton said consulatition with local clubs is ongoing following an invitation extended by Sydney Rugby Union.
Meanwhile, the women's Wildfires squad have this weekend off having already qualified for the Jack Scott Cup second division decider on October 17 but some players may take part in round 10 of the NHRU Women's 10's Cup competition at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday.
Hamilton tackle Merewether, Wanderers host Medowie and Maitland meet The Waratahs.
The NHRU men's divisional season also continues on Saturday with Griffins up against Medowie and Cooks Hill taking on The Waratahs.
WILDFIRES: David Puchert, Phil Bradford, Nicholas Dobson, Adam Edwards, Jeremy Burrill, Alec Corcoran, Shawn Ingle, George Noa, Mahe Fangupo, Brendan Holliday, Hamish McKie, Taulogo Lalaga, Chase Hicks, Nimilote Qio, Taylor Acheson.
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Josh Callinan
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
