One of the most endearing elements of the NRL Auckland Nines has been the "one time only" appearances of some of rugby league's most loved players.
On the eve of the 3rd edition of the Eden Park spectacle, Sam Ackerman looks at who's making this year's old school cameos, the best that have been before them and the players who should dust the boots off one more time in the future.
MATT BOWEN
A man, who in his prime, would have been the blueprint for a Nines player. He was elusive, faster than a speeding bullet, and a specialist in adlib footy.
He's 33 and only retired a few months ago from UK side Wigan, but injury hasn't been kind to him.
Getting the chance to play one last time for his beloved Cowboys will be the perfect way to cap a magnificent career.
BRAITH ANASTA
He was often awarded the 'most over rated player in rugby league' gong - but the 34-year-old got the last laugh with a more than a handy career.
Premiership winner for the Dogs, Roosters skipper, Origin and Test player - Anasta ticked all the boxes.
He left the Chooks on ugly terms for the Tigers, but everyone remembers him as a Tri-Colour, and he's back barely one year into retirement.
JASON CROKER
Seven years after giving the game away, the 42-year-old (who looked 42 in his 20s) is back in the Green Machine.
One of the most reliable and loved Raiders of all time, Croker isn't the first player you'd think of for a Nines cameo.
And while he'll be oldest ever player at the tournament, he probably still has more stamina than team-mates half his age.
BRAD FITTLER
The original and still the most memorable cameo. Freddie had been retired a decade - there was no need to come back. But he did.
And anyone who was at that sold out Eden Park on a sunny Saturday in 2014 will always remember that intercept against the Broncos.
It was a triumphant moment - but his body barely made it to the finish line, a hip flexor injury ruling him out for the second day, but still an enduring memory of an icon.
MATT KING
The unassuming former garbage man knows about success in his career - so who better to bust out in the Nines than one of coaching staff?
The man with the trademark afro hairstyle had a good showing last year, but more importantly scored the match-winning golden point try in the epic final against the Sharks. Not bad for an old timer.
STEVE MENZIES
Like Bowen, Menzies came back from Super League to say one last hurrah for the club he loves in 2014.
Seeing the ageless 'Beaver' in the Maroon and White of Manly again with that distinct headgear just felt right. It was like he'd never even been gone. Don't rule out seeing him again one day, like in 2024...
RUBEN WIKI
He was a beat in his playing days and while he hasn't played since 2008, Ruben Wiki is not your average 43-year-old.
He's in better shape than most professional athletes and you've got a better chance of avoiding Justin Beiber or a Kardashian on the internet than a video of his fitness prowess.
Ruben would be a crowd pleaser and if you don't think the 'Kava King' still has it, then ask that streaker from a few years back.
WENDELL SAILOR
Big Dell is the ultimate showman - crowds love him, even the ones that hate him. One of the most entertaining players to grace either (and both) codes, who wouldn't want one more taste of this?
Does the 41-year-old still have the fancy footwork? Judge for yourself...
BRAD THORN
Thorn was the ultimate cross-code mercenary, and the most successful ever too (until SBW wins Olympic gold...)
Nines probably isn't his go, but imagine the reaction if he ran out one more time for his beloved Broncos at the spiritual home of one of his other signature teams, the All Blacks.
If someone tells him there's a new trophy he hasn't won yet, I reckon the 41-year-old would ask the Queensland Reds for time off to right that wrong...
Newshub.
