Former Canberra Raiders halfback Marc Herbert was jaded with rugby league before he found the Blues.
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The 26-year-old has given the Queanbeyan Blues a boost on the eve of the Canberra Raiders Cup finals, re-signing with the minor premiers for the 2014 season.
Herbert said he had no ambition to return to professional rugby league, having been released by the Raiders in 2010 and English Super League club the Bradford Bulls in 2011.
But Herbert's goal is to captain the Blues to a premiership, which could be closer after Sunday's grand final qualifier against cross-town rivals the Queanbeyan Kangaroos at Seiffert Oval.
Herbert quit rugby league for 18 months after leaving Europe, and is now studying and working in construction management. But Herbert, who played 23 NRL matches with the Raiders, said he'd rediscovered a love of the game by joining the Blues this season.
''At times I was wondering where it was all going, but I took some time away from it and got my head right,'' Herbert said.
''The rest of my life is going well, so footy now is fun.
''There wasn't any doubt in my mind what I could do and achieve with the Blues this year. The first couple of games were a bit rusty, but it was just a matter of finding my feet again.''
Former Raiders captain and now Blues coach Simon Woolford said Herbert's experience would be invaluable against the seasoned Roos, who have played in the past three grand finals and won two.
''It's good to see he's keen to go around again,'' Woolford said.
The Roos are one of only two teams to have beaten the Blues this season, 14-12.
Defending premiers the Belconnen United Scholars will play Tuggeranong Bushrangers in the elimination final at Northbourne Oval, Braddon.
