Slammin' Sam returns

The one and only Sam Thaiday is set to make his highly-anticipated return to the footy field this weekend when he laces up the boots for Albany Creek in Brisbane's Division 1 competition.

The former Brisbane, Queensland and Australian star was thrilled to receive a phone call from former team mate and current Crushers club president Justin Hodges to give back to community rugby league after calling time on his illustrious first grade career in 2018.

"Hodgo called me and asked me if I wanted to come down and I jumped at the opportunity," FOG #157 said.

"For me, I've always played footy the majority of my life and after having a couple of years off away from it, I've really missed it.

"This is a chance and an opportunity for me to come back and have some fun and hopefully mentor some of these young guys that are part of this new squad.

"We'll see where we can go and what we can do."

Crushers' Division 1 coach Nathan Sologinkin - another former first grader - is stoked to have the 300-game back-rower in the blue and gold and believes both Thaiday and Hodges' guidance will be invaluable for his young side.

"Even at his first training session last night, he [Thaiday] was talking to the boys about how they can improve their passing and tackling technique and other little things," the former South Queensland and Canberra second-rower said.

"To have two influential people like that at the club is awesome, not only for the players but for the surrounding coaching staff as well.

"There was definitely a spring in their step last night when he arrived."

The north Brisbane club is hoping the Maroons enforcer will remain with the Crushers in the future.

"Down the track, I'd really love for him to stay on as a coach," Sologinkin said.

"The more experienced people we have in those key positions is obviously better for the kids and better for the club."

Thaiday is expected to line up in the front row for Albany Creek against Waterford tomorrow night from 6pm at South Pine Sports Complex, Brendale.