After suffering a serious knee injury in mid-2014, Adam McDermott thought his Group 11 first grade career was over.
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Even after ACL surgery and a year-long rehabilitation, he didn't feel confident enough to return to the premier Macquarie Raiders team.
So now, almost five years after the injury, McDermott is as shocked as anyone to find himself back in the first grade halfback's jersey.
"I had all of last year off and I was just coming back for a game with a few mates so it was very unexpected," McDermott said, having made his return in last weekend's win over Westside.
"I hadn't played first grade in about five years but I'm happy to help out."
With current Raiders captain-coach Wes Middleton sidelined for up to six weeks with an ankle injury, the call was made to McDermott.
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He knows it may not be a long-term position in the lineup, with Middleton having played haflback prior to his injury, but McDermott is eager to make the most of his chance.
"You can't go into first half-hearted," he said.
"There's been a few injuries and Wes asked me if I was keen and it's always good to test yourself and see if you're up to the top standard in bush footy."
Making his return to first grade more special is the chance he gets to play alongside his younger brother Kane, something he never expected to do.
McDermott's return last week was a fairly routine one, as the Raiders thumped the languishing Westside Rabbitohs by 128 points in what was their first win of the season.
Things will be vastly different on Saturday when the Raiders travel to Wellington to take on a Cowboys side full of confidence after a hard-fought win over Nyngan last time out.
The match also holds extra significance for McDermott as he goes up against someone he knew very well during a stint he had in the Newcastle competition.
"It's a hard match-up," he said.
"They've got so many new players and some I actually played with and against when I was in Newcastle.
"Dave Dryden, I played with him at Souths Newcastle about 12 years ago so I'm looking forward to the game."
Dryden is part of a powerful Cowboys forward pack which also features the likes of Tristan Lumley and Travis Waddell.
The Macquarie pack's ability to get the better of them will be vital if McDermott and five-eighth Filisione Pauta are to get their side on the front foot.
"It's a big challenge," McDermott said, before looking at the Raiders' record of one win, a draw, and two losses.
"I watched the first couple of games from the comfort of the stands with a beer in my hand and the Forbes game (40-6 loss), the score didn't reflect the game.
"There's been chopping and changing and I think we're still finding who we are but in the couple of weeks I've been at training and I can see a real improvement in attitude and the way everyone is gelling."
The towering Lui Lockington, an off-season recruit from Cairns, will make his Raiders debut from the bench on Saturday.
Kick-off in first grade is expected at 5.30pm.