Since leaving in 1983, Singe (49) has become one of the most successful strength and conditioning coaches in New Zealand and Australia.
He worked with the Manly Sea Eagles lower grades for a year in 1999, before taking on the head strength and conditioning role in 2003.
Singe's work with the club was instrumental in it winning NRL titles in 2008 and 2011. Just last week, he signed a two-year contract extension.
The former King's High School pupil also helped coach Australian beach volleyball Olympic gold medallists Kerri Pottharst, junior Wimbledon champion Todd Reid and Olympic bobsleigh competitor Peter Pallai.
Back in Dunedin with the Kiwis ahead of their Four Nations test against England tomorrow night, Singe, whose parents still live in the city, was enjoying being home.
''It's great to be back. Boy, it's changed a lot, that's for sure. I don't get back [from Sydney] as much as I would like to,'' he said.
''One thing I noticed here is the amount of gyms now. But you know what, the business is there.
"I always go back and see the Sky Fitness guys because that is where I literally started.''
As well as helping prepare the side for tomorrow's match, the Kiwis trainer spent an hour speaking to local fitness enthusiasts at the Otago Polytechnic Sports Institute on Thursday night.
''I would really like to encourage the trainers and other exercise professionals who live here in Dunedin that what they are doing here is of that elite level, it is very worthy on a international scene.''
Singe, who was not a rugby league fan until he started working for Manly, said it was a privilege to train players like Jamie Lyon, Glen and Brett Stewart, Anthony Watmough, Kieran Foran and Steve Matai across the Ditch.
''I've been really fortunate to be able to tinker with those sorts of men and ride their success through the years. It's a great thing to be part of a premiership-winning team.''
There is one rule Singe has for his Sea Eagles players - they are not to make jokes about his beloved All Blacks or they will be ''running all day''.
As much as he loves working for Manly, the pinnacle was working for the national side, he said.
''This team of athletes in this squad ... . they are truly really thorough athletes. To get them all together like this, that for me is quite an honour.
''Coming in knowing the strength and conditioners before me have achieved a World Cup, have achieved a Four Nations, they have got their titles.
''For me, it's more about making sure I bring my best stuff, so I can literally match and maintain what they have already built. We don't build legacies, we just join them. And I've certainly joined one here.''
- Robert van Royen
