Angus Crichton is due to begin his return to rugby on November 7, when he joins the NSW Waratahs after more than a decade away from the 15-man game.
The 30-year-old will reunite with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, but expects Michael Cheika to be especially important during the transition.
Cheika will coach the Waratahs in the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season after two years as a Sydney Roosters assistant.
Crichton played his final rugby at Scot's College before joining South Sydney as an 18-year-old in 2014. Cheika coached the Waratahs to their only Super Rugby title that year.
"He'll be able to help me adjust back and and learn a bit quicker than I would have without him," Crichton said.
A 17-time NSW State of Origin player and 2019 NRL premiership winner, Crichton could eventually partner Suaalii in the Waratahs' midfield and possibly for Australia.
"I look forward to that and it excites me and it'll be great, but if you look too far ahead you'll fall over," he said.
Crichton is recovering from foot surgery three months ago, making him unlikely to play at the Rugby League World Cup.
He could still feature for Australia A in the United States next month or join the Wallabies' European tour in November, though he remains focused on the Roosters' finals campaign.