Just ask Brett Shrume and John Woodley who returned to Tamworth on the weekend to compete at the Over 40s/45s Men's Masters State Championships.

"I lasted 10 minutes of the first game before I tore a hamstring. I've been hobbling around ever since," Woodley, who now lives in Brisbane, said with a laugh.

"And I did the same at about 14 and a half minutes," Shrume, who now calls Newcastle home, added.

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The duo pushed through and had a great time at their old stomping ground.

They played for a Tamworth side that was a mix of ex-locals and players that still lived in town.

It was the first time the pair had played together for the Frogs since 1995 and it was also Woodley's first time back on the hockey field for over 20 years.

"It's a great concept, its really good to come back," Woodley said.

"It's more the social aspect - come back and have a bit of a chat with a few people. It's good being in Tamworth."

Shrume added: "These facilities are fantastic now, it's really good to play on these turfs. When we first started we were on the sand-based down at Riverside."

The duo, who also played together back in 1986 in the NSW senior men's hockey team, said they were keen to go around again.

"I think we'll probably manage our bodies a bit better the next time, too," Shrume said.

Woodley continued: "And not get too excited straight away. After 20 years, it's probably not the best to go for a sprint straight up."

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