Its a sight many Wests Tigers Members have been eager to see.
Pat Richards back in Wests Tigers colours after eight years abroad playing with Super League Club, Wigan Warriors.
Fresh off a flight from Europe, Richards made his way to Concord Oval today and met up with a few of his 2014 teammates - some of whom are familiar with the winger from his previous stint at the Club.
It was a bit strange, its obviously a fair few years since Ive been at the Club and it was nice driving in and a few old memories came back to me," Richards said.
Its really good to be back.
REMINDER: MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DEADLINE IS 5PM FRIDAY - CLICK HERE TO RETAIN YOUR SEATS FOR 2014!
Richards departed the Wests Tigers following the 2005 Grand Final victory, where he cemented a place in the Clubs folklore after scoring that try off the back of Benji Marshalls flick pass.
Eight years down the track, the Irish international leaves Wigan on a similar note winning the Super League premiership (with oddly the same 30-16 score line) over Warrington.
Scoring 169 tries in 224 games and over 2400 points for Wigan, its fair to say Richards journey to the Super League was a successful one.
I had eight great years over there and met some great people, Richards said.
Obviously we had some success on the field, which made it a bit more special.
Ive got some great memories from the place.
Not to be excluded in Richards incredible list of Super League achievements are winning two championships (2010, 2013), two Challenge Cups (2011, 2013), the 2010 Man of Steel Award (Best player in Super League) and four consecutive seasons as the leagues top point scorer (2007-10).
With Wests Tigers undergoing a number of changes for the 2014 season, Richards jumped at the chance to re-join the Club and be part of the exciting new era.
It was a good fit, Ive been here before and still got a few friends here, Richards said.
I really care about the Club and when I got the opportunity (to come back) it was too hard to turn down.
There are a lot of new faces at the Club, I met a few of them today and they all seem to be great guys.
With young guns such as David Nofoaluma, Marika Koroibete and Tim Simona coming through the ranks, Richards will no doubt play a key role in developing their game further.
The young guys showed that when they got a crack last year they can prosper and play some really good Rugby League, Richards said.
Im looking forward to playing with some of those guys and its exciting to be part of.
Richards will now have a much-needed break before returning to pre-season training in December.
Pat Richards back in Wests Tigers colours after eight years abroad playing with Super League Club, Wigan Warriors.
Fresh off a flight from Europe, Richards made his way to Concord Oval today and met up with a few of his 2014 teammates - some of whom are familiar with the winger from his previous stint at the Club.
It was a bit strange, its obviously a fair few years since Ive been at the Club and it was nice driving in and a few old memories came back to me," Richards said.
Its really good to be back.
REMINDER: MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DEADLINE IS 5PM FRIDAY - CLICK HERE TO RETAIN YOUR SEATS FOR 2014!
Richards departed the Wests Tigers following the 2005 Grand Final victory, where he cemented a place in the Clubs folklore after scoring that try off the back of Benji Marshalls flick pass.
Eight years down the track, the Irish international leaves Wigan on a similar note winning the Super League premiership (with oddly the same 30-16 score line) over Warrington.
Scoring 169 tries in 224 games and over 2400 points for Wigan, its fair to say Richards journey to the Super League was a successful one.
I had eight great years over there and met some great people, Richards said.
Obviously we had some success on the field, which made it a bit more special.
Ive got some great memories from the place.
Not to be excluded in Richards incredible list of Super League achievements are winning two championships (2010, 2013), two Challenge Cups (2011, 2013), the 2010 Man of Steel Award (Best player in Super League) and four consecutive seasons as the leagues top point scorer (2007-10).
With Wests Tigers undergoing a number of changes for the 2014 season, Richards jumped at the chance to re-join the Club and be part of the exciting new era.
It was a good fit, Ive been here before and still got a few friends here, Richards said.
I really care about the Club and when I got the opportunity (to come back) it was too hard to turn down.
There are a lot of new faces at the Club, I met a few of them today and they all seem to be great guys.
With young guns such as David Nofoaluma, Marika Koroibete and Tim Simona coming through the ranks, Richards will no doubt play a key role in developing their game further.
The young guys showed that when they got a crack last year they can prosper and play some really good Rugby League, Richards said.
Im looking forward to playing with some of those guys and its exciting to be part of.
Richards will now have a much-needed break before returning to pre-season training in December.
