Eighteen months after announcing his retirement, the fan favourite - who is set to turn 35 - has confirmed he will play for his former club, Kootingal-Moonbi, in 2021.

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That is great news for the Roosters and Group 4, as the club and the competition emerge from the COVID-derailed 2020 season.

"I can't really leave it [rugby league] at the moment, to be honest," the front-rower said.

"The body feels good, I feel fit and I think, once again, I'll try and mentor all these young blokes [at Kooty] - as I did in 2019."

Vidler's last game for the Roosters was their 2019 grand final loss to North Tamworth.

His passion to lace up again was rekindled after not playing last year and then elevating his fitness under personal trainer and fellow Group 4 veteran Chris Hunt.

Also, he could not "get away from Sharpey" - Roosters coach Geoff Sharpe: "He kept ringing."

Vidler said he was "excited" about the year ahead.

However, he will play every other week because his job requires him working seven days on and then seven days off.

That playing scheduled suited him, said the multiple premiership winner with Wests Lions, who also won the 2017 Group 21 premiership with Aberdeen.

Sharpe said Vidler was "leading the way at training", adding that the enforcer's "big body" and experience would be invaluable.

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