Parramatta coach Daniel Anderson believes Timana Tahu's return to representative rugby league is a formality – providing he finds peace with his decision to come back to the game.
The dual international will play his first game of league in more than two years when he lines up for the Eels against the Roosters in Saturday night's trial at Bluetongue Stadium.
It's the start of what Tahu hopes is a successful return to the 13-a-side code after a largely frustrating and injury-plagued stint in rugby union.
The two 'lost' years eroded his confidence and love of football – two factors Anderson says the 29-year-old must re-discover if he's to return to the elite level in league.
"If Timana comes back to what we think he's capable of, he's representative quality, there's no doubt about it," Anderson said.
"If he at all finds health and comfort and a little bit of happiness in his own mental state as I think he will, I think you'll find that he'll be knocking on the door of representative (sides)."
Tahu's comeback has been on ice for a fortnight, a hangover suspension from 2007 robbing him of a spot in the Indigenous All-Stars team and Parramatta's trial against Penrith last weekend.
He will be finally let loose on Saturday night when the Eels take on the Roosters.
"He's a cat on a hot tin roof at the moment because he's trained very hard, he does all the contact sessions but can't put it into practice," Anderson observed.
"It's good to get him into a game. We're very excited and fortunate to have him at our disposal."
"I'm looking forward to seeing him play."
That enthusiasm extends to the entire Parramatta playing roster.
"They (the players) know he's got plenty to offer us. They're very confident in his ability, he knows the combinations from his time here (prior to 2008) and he's a good bloke," Anderson said
"He contributes on and off the field."