The NRL has cleared the way for Brad Fittler to make a rugby league return in the NRL Nines competition.
Earlier this month Fittler indicated his desire to the game with the Sydney Roosters at the Auckland Nines, 10 seasons since he retired.
For the last two weeks the Roosters have been locked in discussion that revolved around insurance and salary cap issues with the NRL about the former Kangaroo skipper’s comeback.
On Wednesday head of football Todd Greenberg said the NRL had given the greenlight for Fittler’s return.
However Fittler, 42 next month, is unlikely to line up alongside many of the Roosters superstars at the nines.
The premiers’s coach Trent Robinson has indicated he will rest his side’s New Zealand and Australian Test stars to be ready for the World Club Challenge at Allianz Stadium on February 22, a week after the inaugural nines tournament.
But Fittler may line up alongside NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce at the shortform tournament.