Wendell Sailor has done it all in a 16-year career across both rugby codes, but the significance of tomorrow's milestone is not lost on the star St George Illawarra winger.
When he switched to rugby union in 2001 after a decorated career with Brisbane, Sailor thought he'd never play league again, let alone chalk up his 200th NRL game.
While he cut a lonely figure pounding the pavement to keep fit during his two-year rugby ban for cocaine use, such a personal achievement was the furthest thing from his mind.
Full coverage of The St George Illawarra DragonsAnd when Sailor fractured his cheekbone against his old club in his comeback last season, the 34-year-old figured it might be over before it began.
So tomorrow is Sailor's reward - a bit of recognition for a glorious career which includes "international Dell" playing for the Wallabies and the Kangaroos, as well as Origin for Queensland and winning premierships with the Broncos.
But it is also a tribute to Sailor's perseverance and a self-belief that helped him through the darkest hours. It is why the Dragons-Sharks derby, St George Illawarra's return to WIN Jubilee Oval is much more than just another early season game for him.
His rugby league return is no longer a cameo and he's not living on past glories.
He's been adopted by the Dragons.
Sailor's favourite memories at Kogarah from his Broncos days used to be that ex-Dragon Gorden Tallis was public enemy No 1 for Dragons fans ahead of him.
Now he's accepted as one of St George Illawarra's favourite sons.
It was only last week at WIN Stadium where the fans on the hill chanted Wendell's name and cheered his every move, making him a cult hero almost as much as he was in his days with Brisbane.
"It means so much to me," he said.
"Last year I was a bit of a nomad, I was at Shellharbour, I was up playing in the Queensland Cup.
"I was a bit of an ugly stepsister at stages and everywhere I went I got so much support.
"I can't wait to be there (tomorrow). I get so excited in big games like this, I don't get nervous, but I find it hard to sleep the night before."
Sailor admits that the chance to play his 200th game under Wayne Bennett, the man who gave him his start in rugby league, who he considers a friend and mentor, is extra special. But he sees it as much more than another personal celebration.
Sailor said he became more aware of the feeling in the rivalry with the Sharks when rugby league immortal John Raper spoke about Cronulla being jealous of St George's successful history.
Tomorrow's game is his first battle against St George Illawarra's old enemy at the Dragons' traditional headquarters at Kogarah.
In short, it's an education in what it means to be part of St George Illawarra for both him and the master coach.
"Playing and training with the boys, you can feel it building this year," Sailor said.
"It's a great chance for us to get another early win up in the local derby.
"You see John Raper come out the other day and say a few things and I thought, oh my God, so you know the bragging rights against the Sharks means a bit.
"Myself and Benny (Wayne Bennett) are the outsiders here and we can't wait to be part of this."
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