He was 33 at the time and had already amassed just about every accolade you could hope for in Orange City colours - he was an integral part of the Lions' undefeated run of 39 games which included a pair of Blowes Clothing Cup top grade premierships in 2012 and 2013.

It's not as if the club legend had anything left to achieve, or prove for that matter.

But after going under the knife and recovering remarkably well, Barrett is about to reach rarefied air as an Orange City Lion.

When he runs onto Pride Park for a Blowes Clothing Cup second grade local derby against Orange Emus on Saturday, it'll be his 321^st game for the club - more than anyone in Lions' history.

"I love this club," Barrett said.

"Orange City's a big thing for my family ... my dad and two uncles were there when it first started and it's just been a massive family ever since for me.

"That's why I first started playing."

And the reason why he's decided to return, too, after such a horror injury.

"It was a pretty bad injury and I didn't think I'd play again after it," Barrett said.

"But, a couple of years later and it started to feel alright and I told myself I'd go back and have a run."

City rugby runs deep into Barrett's family tree and he expected a few loved ones to be front and centre on Saturday.

"My Dad will definitely be there ... he doesn't miss a game," he said.

"A few aunties and uncles and good friends will be there too."

Also in attendance will be Barrett's six-year-old son Toby who is on track to play for the Lions one day ... but not just yet.

"He's playing soccer at the moment," he said.

"He can play whatever he wants as long as he's happy but I reckon one day he'll play for City. He's pretty keen and enjoys the footy."

The second grade side has only won one game in 2020 but Barrett isn't lacking confidence ahead of the meaningful match.

"I think we'll win," he said.

"Last time we played them it was pretty close and it could have gone either way.

"The goal for our team is just to have the young blokes keep improving on what they're doing each week and that will happen the more times they play together."