Wynnum Manly Seagulls outside back Sebastian Winters-Chang has not played rugby league since the end of 2019, so he is more eager than ever to run out and impress.
The Souths Logan junior, who developed at Keebra Park with Tanah Boyd and David Fifita, arrived at Wynnum Manly in November, after a stint at the Canterbury Bulldogs that ended when COVID-19 hit earlier in the year.
Wynnum Manly coach Adam Brideson said he was "really excited" to have Winters-Chang in his squad.
"He's obviously a very talented junior coming through," Brideson said.
"It's really exciting he came back... he's obviously an exceptional talent with great speed and we're looking forward to seeing what he can do."
Winters-Chang has been named in the squad to take on the Brisbane Broncos in a pre-season trial at Kitchener Park tomorrow night.
"Pre-season has been nice and tough, which they all are, but a lot of our boys haven't played for 12 months nearly now," Brideson said.
"It's been good getting them back around the joint and back into it. They're all itching for a game now.
"Everyone thinks pre-season is going good... we won't actually know until we get out there, but so far, so good. Hopefully everything goes good through the trials. Bring it on."
Winters-Chang said he had never been more eager to run out.
"I don't think I've ever been itching more to play footy to be honest," Winters-Chang said, adding the last time he played was in the 2019 grand final for Bulldogs feeder club Moorebank Rams.
"When I moved down in 2018, I was under 20s, so Jersey Flegg. I didn't play that many games. Didn't play much footy at all that year... I had back problems for most of the year.
"Playing not much footy... I realised footy is what I want to do in life. I learnt not to take anything for granted and to enjoy the little things."
Winters-Chang said he had enjoyed pre-season "being back around a group of boys for training... a great bunch of blokes".
"I'm definitely enjoying it... working with Delouise (Hoeter), Junior (Pauga), Ed Burns," Winters-Chang said.
"They've been here a while now and probably some of the best in the game, so I'm enjoying learning from all of them. I definitely take a lot from watching players in my position.
"I want to crack Intrust Super Cup, play consistent footy. I haven't played much footy in the last few years, so I can't wait to get out and have a run around."