Look out Auckland Nines, retired hardman Ruben Wiki is coming out of retirement to play for the New Zealand Warriors.

The 44-year-old is a legend of both the Warriors and Canberra Raiders clubs. Wiki won a title with the Raiders in 1994.

“It was a huge buzz when Mooks (Stephen Kearney) asked me,” Wiki told the Warriors website.

“I might have dropped the hint in the past that I’d like to have a go, especially when guys like Brad Fittler and Steve Menzies were picked, but I didn’t think it would happen.

“I’ve got some work to do getting ready for contact again but I’m looking forward to it. While I’m a bit nervous about it, the thought of pulling on a Vodafone Warriors jersey again is cool. I’m so honoured and excited.

“I’ve never played on Eden Park either so now I have the chance to run out there in front of my family and thousands of fans. That’s unreal.”