The representative gun departed for Queensland mid last year’s campaign, ending a long and decorated stint with the Parkes club.

Tago ventured north to be home as his family dealt with some health matters, not because of any issue with the Parkes club.

Captain-coach Dennis Moran confirmed the hulking forward will line-up for the Spacemen at Jock Colley Field for a round one blockbuster against the Luke Thompson-led Narromine Jets on Sunday.

“His presence around the team will be massive,” Moran said ahead of the season opener.

“It’s been a really long pre-season, actually. All of the boys are really keen to get stuck into it on Sunday.

“We’re hoping everything we’ve worked on will come together when we run out there for round one.”

Moran will defy a string of injuries to take the field for his side’s clash with the Jets, the veteran pivot forced to leave the field in Parkes’ elimination semi-final defeat to eventual premiers Forbes at the end of 2016.

Moran re-injured the achilles tendon he snapped during the Aboriginal knockout in Dubbo in 2015 and admits he’s probably never going to be 100 per cent fit due to the seriousness of the injury.

“I’m not there yet, fitness wise, but I’ll be out there for round one,” he added.

Eugowra frontrower Branden Plunkett also returns to the side, as does backrower Jack Medlyn.

“He can definitely play, too, Jack, and he’s developed into a real leader,” Moran said.

Parkes takes on Narromine on Sunday.