Warriors coach Andrew McFadden says Ali Lauitiiti could make his comeback appearance for the club at next year's NRL Auckland Nines.
The fan favourite - once dubbed the Michael Jordan of rugby league - is coming home to New Zealand to return to the Warriors where his top-level career began 17 years ago.
The 36-year-old back-rower is bringing his family back to Auckland after eight seasons with the Leeds Rhinos and another four with the Wakefield Wildcats in the Super League competition.
Lauitiiti has been signed on a second tier one-year contract and is not among the club's top 25 players, but will add experience and leadership to the wider squad.
McFadden still expects Lauitiiti to press for NRL selection and admits he's considered handing him a start at the Nines, alongside fellow new recruits Issac Luke and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
"I've thought about it but we'll see," McFadden said. "There's lots of players in our squad that would suit the Nines. He'll be in the mix for sure with his skill set."
The former 19-test New Zealand forward told the New Zealand Herald of his desire to return to the Warriors after making a farewell appearance for Leeds in the Kiwis' tour opener late last month, following a testimonial season at Wakefield.
Twelve years after last wearing the Warriors jersey, McFadden is optimistic Lauitiiti can produce his best form and force his way into the top 17, while also helping to guide the club's large number of rising youngsters.
"I hope so, that's for sure. That's what we want him to do," he said.
"He's still got the skill and attributes that he's remembered for and he's played a lot of footy - he played 21 games last year - and we expect him to push like anyone in the squad.
"We've got some exciting young kids here that I'm also conscious of having experience and leadership around that so it's a good fit and he'll add some value to us."
Despite being in the twilight of his career, Lauitiiti size and natural ball-playing ability continue to make him a handful for any defence.
McFadden is confident he is prepared to work hard to ensure he finishes his career on a high and believes his ability can add a point of difference to the Warriors pack.
"That's right and he's still very sizable so it's something I'm conscious of," he said.
"He's going to have to put his best foot forward and be in the right condition, but from the discussions I've had with him, he's extremely motivated to make a real go of it," he said.
"We're probably still looking but he's certainly going to add something if he can get himself in the right shape."
Lauitiiti made a try-scoring NRL debut as an 18-year-old against North Sydney in 1998.
He went on to play 115 games - scoring 33 tries - before signing for Leeds in 2004.
He's expected to arrive home in the next few weeks.
