Wendell Sailor scored two tries in a successful return to rugby league tonight.
Sailor, playing in his first game after a two-year ban for cocaine use, bagged a double in the Shellharbour Marlins' 30-22 win against the Erina Eagles in the Jim Beam Cup.
The dual-international's first try came 67 minutes into the Ron Costello Oval clash when he fielded a cross-kick and touched down just wide of the post.
That sent the estimated 3,000 faithful into raptures.
However, the man with the rockstar reputation proved his ability to put on a show when he barged over for another try seven minutes later.
That try put the Marlins ahead 28-22 and gave the Marlins the lead for good.
Despite the fairytale comeback, Sailor saw some points he needed to work on before making a return to the NRL with St George Illawarra.
"I was a bit disappointed at dropping two balls and missing a tackle," he said.
"But it was an alright return first up."
Sailor was relieved just to be back on the field.
"Just for my family and the supporters who I let down, everyone in rugby league has welcomed me back with open arms," he said.
"I tried to come out and play well for all the kids who came out tonight; two years or 18 months ago, I thought this would never happen.
"I would have liked to have scored a hat-trick but that's footy.
"When you make a mistake of the magnitude I did, families are the ones who are really hurt."
Despite being away from league since 2001, Sailor's try-scoring instincts came to the fore when he fielded Brad Dureau's cross-kick and crashed over in the 67th minute.
"Being an old winger I just saw a bit of space and called for it; I was lucky enough and tall enough to grab it," he said.
After the match Sailor was mobbed by crowd and media from all over Australia and the world.
Before his comeback he warmed up at adjacent Keith Hockey Oval.
He was greeted warmly by the crowd when he made his return to the field.
After a quiet first half he exploded in the second and sent the crowd home happy.
