Earlier this month, former Widnes Vikings powerhouse Esene Faimalo made a surprise visit to the DCBL Stadium.
In 1990, Faimalo moved to England to join the Vikings, where he would go on to make over a century of appearances.
Spells at Leeds Rhinos and Salford followed, before he returned to the Vikings for a short period in 2000.
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In total, the former Western Samoa and New Zealand international ran out 116 times in Widnes colours.
Visiting family in the UK for the first time in over six years, Faimalo enjoyed a warm return to the town he called home for around 26 years of his life.
“Now that I’m back, it doesn’t seem like I’ve been away,” he said.
“I remember when I first came to Naughton Park. The team and the morale and the support was just unbelievable. I was made to feel right at home.
“They are the ones who gave me a first foot in the door playing over here.
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“I only signed a one-year deal and never expected to be here for 26 years! It was a great opportunity.”
The former Vikings fan favourite added: “The fan base here are true die-hards. This is what it’s all about.
“Widnes will always have a big part in my heart.”
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