Jack Ahearn is back at Norths, training with the Devils’ Hostplus Cup squad.
Ahearn, 31, called time on one of the most decorated careers in Devils history at the end of last season to focus on his new career as a firefighter.
Ahearn was dux of his trainee class and began his career in November.
Six months later, the super-fit Ahearn has learnt that he can find time to continue his football career around his work and his family life.
The two-time premiership captain met with Devils CEO Troy Rovelli and coach Dave Elliott and spoke with skipper Kierran Moseley about returning to training.
He is now back with the Devils squad, which sits in fourth place after eight rounds, and is aiming to resume his career when the time is right.
“I really wanted to give everything I had outside of my family to my job and it’s been a really enjoyable six months,” Ahearn said.
“I really didn’t know if I’d have time to train properly and I didn’t want to let anyone down so I decided it was fair to everyone if I retired.
“But I’ve worked out that I can fit in work and training outside my family time.
“I approached Ravs (Rovelli) and Dave and sounded them out about whether I could come back.”
Ahearn sat on the hill with his family to watch the Devils’ last home win over Western Clydesdales 10 days ago, confirming that he was ready to train again.
His profession has kept him in excellent shape and he has appreciated having time off from rugby league.
“This is the first time I haven’t done a pre-season since I was 15 so I’ve got the miles under my belt over time but I know I have to get myself ready to play again,” Ahearn said.
“My goal is to help the Devils in any way that I can. Apart from that, this is too good a competition to make any bold predictions about coming back to play.
“I’ll just keep training and go from there.”
Rovelli said Ahearn was always welcome at the Devils.
“When a player has a history like Jack at this club, we are always delighted to hear that he is interested in returning,” Rovelli said.
“Jack is very fit, he’s a seasoned professional and he always puts the squad’s interests first.”
Elliott coached Ahearn last year, guiding his fifth consecutive season as the Devils’ player of the year.
“Jack’s simply one of the best players that the Queensland Cup has known and he respects the game deeply,” Elliott said.
“He was welcomed back to training. We’ve got a lot of new players since last season so it was a chance for Jack to meet some of them but to also resume connections with players he’s played with and against.”
