For the other veteran the build up began more than a year ago, when he returned to where it all began.

And on Saturday at Kootingal, Phil Beaton and Tom Woolaston will be in action when the Roosters and the Bears meet in a grand final replay 20 months in the making.

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The two front-rowers returned to their respective club this season after long absences.

Beaton, 35, is back at Kooty after last playing in 2018, while 30-year-old Woolaston has returned to the Bears after last playing for them in 2012.

"It was definitely a late decision," Beaton said of his return, adding that he "tossed and turned" over the decision.

Beaton got the taste for playing again when he took part in the inaugural Wests Entertainment Group 9s last season.

"One day it's gotta come to an end, don't get me wrong," he said of his career, adding that he came back to "help out" Roosters coach Geoff Sharpe.

Like Sharpe, Beaton has links to West Tamworth - whom he won three premierships with.

"We'll see how it goes," Beaton said of playing this year. "But I'm just happy to help them out for 15-20 minutes [a game] and give someone a spell."

Beaton will start on the bench against Norths, as he did in an opening round 46-6 defeat of Werris Creek.

He said the Roosters had "done well" to create a winning culture.

"They've got the foundations, for sure, to build a good season," he said.

Woolaston's last game for North Tamworth prior to Sunday's 30-22 win over the Cowboys was the Bears' 2012 grand final loss to West Tamworth.

Woolaston's Bears comeback took longer than expected: he planned to play last year, but the season was cancelled due to the pandemic.

After stints in Newcastle and Brisbane, he wanted to return to Norths so he could play in front of his family again - including his grandfather, Bears legend Jack Woolaston - before moving to North Queensland, where his partner hails from.

"It just feels right to finish off my career in the red and black," he said.

"Footy has given me a lot of good friends and memories over the years."

Woolaston is the sole survivor from Norths' 2012 grand final side.

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