Chris Sandow is one step closer to an NRL return after an impressive first four weeks of training with Intrust Super Cup side Norths Devils.
Sandow was signed by the Devils at the end of February after a 16-month tenure at the Warrington Wolves came to an end in November of 2016.
His time overseas came to a sudden halt, with the former South Sydney Rabbitoh and Parramatta Eel returning to Australia due to homesickness.
Despite his dramatic departure, Sandow's time in England was largely successful.
He adapted well to the English Super League's style of play, with the 28-year-old at one stage the favourite to win the 2016 Man of Steel award for the competition's best player.
Now back in Australia, Sandow wants to play NRL again and he is set to make his Norths debut in the coming weeks.
His captain at the Devils William Brittain told NRL.com that he believes Sandow can return to the NRL in the near future.
"Chris has been training pretty hard. I think he'll be pushing for a spot in our 17 in the coming weeks," Brittain said.
"He's been training really well and his experience has been such an asset for the whole squad.
"We are all learning off him and he is spreading his knowledge around the group.
"He's great for us, but I'm sure he will work his way back into the NRL sometime later this year."
Another Norths star that will be looking to return to the NRL in the coming weeks is Brisbane Broncos utility Kodi Nikorima.
The New Zealand international has found himself in the Intrust Super Cup to start the season after suffering a severe shoulder injury in 2016.
There is no doubt that he will eventually return to the Broncos' 17, but for now coach Wayne Bennett is happy with him building match fitness in the Queensland Cup.
A former teammate in juniors, Brittan said he loves having someone of Nikorima's ability in the halves for the Devils.
"I played juniors with Kodi so it has been great to reunite," he said.
"We were in the same side going through under-11s and under-12s, and then we played a bit together at state level for Queensland.
"He's a silky player. He's played Test football so he's played rugby league at the highest level.
"He's been a great acquisition for us and has been playing really well. We've known each other for a long time so that always helps."
Nikorima will start at five-eighth for Norths when they face the PNG Hunters in Port Moresby on Sunday.
It will be their toughest test to date, with the Hunters having started the season undefeated.
The Devils will be looking to continue their promising start to the year, with the side currently sitting 4th after three rounds of competition.
Norths have only lost one match, and for Britain this is the perfect start to a year where finals footy is the ultimate goal.
"We're in a better position than we were last year," he said.
"A top-six finish is the goal and we have made a good start to the season.
"As long as the boys are competing every weekend I'll be happy."
