And why not?

After all, Campese had just ended nightmare two-year run of knee and groin injuries in fairytale fashion, hoisting the high ball which landed in the lap of winger Edrick Lee for the match-winning try with four minutes on the clock.

The Raiders came from nowhere to secure a 20-16 win over the New Zealand Warriors at Canberra Stadium, Campese running towards his mum once the fulltime siren sounded in an outpouring of emotion.

“Only the one fan (I kissed), one of the biggest in my life is my old girl, she had a few tears," Campese said.

"It was great to see her.

"She was a bit nervous.

"Today I went and saw her during the day and she gave me the goosebumps to start off with.

"Just wanted to make her proud because she’s been there for me with everything that’s happened the past few years."

Campese showed his trademark cheeky sense of humour had well and truly returned in the post-match press conference when he revealed some extra motivation from wife Sarah.

"My wife’s here. She sent me a pretty funny text message before. I won’t repeat that, it’s a little bit different to everyone else’s good lucks," he said.

Campese has played just eight games since tearing his ACL in his knee for the first time in the 2010 final with the Wests Tigers.

His first comeback in 2011 lasted just eight minutes before requiring season-ending groin surgery, while he played seven rounds last year before his knee gave way for a second time.

He was eased back off the bench after half an hour and looked solid in the five-eighth role he has previously filled for NSW and Australia.

Campese admitted he was still finding his touch, but was elated to have played a part in the final try.

"I knew I mis-hit it, the next thing I know I see Eddy catch it and bring it down,’’ Campese said.

"I knew I bought 60 to 80 tickets during the week. I knew where they were all sitting, so that was the first place where I pointed.

"A massive weight off the shoulders, it’s been a big two years.

"The support I’ve had is outstanding.

"The text messages and phone calls have been great.

"It’s great to see everyone’s still behind me."

Campese will now have a fortnight to recover before the Raiders’ next game against the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville.

Raiders coach David Furner was elated with his star’s comeback given the dramas of the past two seasons.

Campese’s inclusion allowed Josh McCrone to switch to hooker and give Matt McIlwrick a rest on the bench.

Campese also assumed the captaincy when he returned to the field, leading the Raiders on to the ground for the second half and communicating with the referees during the game.