Three years ago Skandalis thought he'd played his final game on Australian soil.

But the front rower has returned to the Magpies' nest.

And it's home sweet home for the local boy who has spilt blood, sweat and tears on many footy grounds around the Liverpool district when he played in the Western Suburbs Junior League.

The 32-year-old will strap on the boots and his beloved black and white coloured jersey in the NSW State Cup competition this year. The Magpies' training headquarters is the Whitlam Leisure Centre and home games are played at Campbelltown Stadium.

Skandalis, a Minto Cobras junior, signed a one-year contract with the Magpies.

``It's funny how it has all worked out,'' Skandalis said.

``I started with the Magpies in 1996 after coming through the junior ranks.

``I am happy to be playing footy with the Magpies again after all these years.''

The well-spoken Skandalis said a return to the NRL is not out of the question if Wests Tigers called him up to its squad. Skandalis won a premiership in 2005 under coach Tim Sheens who is admirer of the prop's work ethic and professionalism.

``My main focus is the Magpies,'' he said.

Skandalis played 66 first-grade matches with the Magpies between 1996-1999 then 166 games at Wests Tigers between 2000-2006 before finishing his career with 44 games for British Super League club Huddersfield Giants in seasons 2007-08.

Magpies general manager Kevin Hammond said it's fantastic news Skandalis has returned.

``John has been a wonderful servant to rugby league with the Minto Cobras, the Magpies and the Tigers,'' Hammond said.

``Skando will be a good acquisition to the team and act as a mentor for the younger players.''

In between training and playing for the Magpies, Skandalis is employed at Wests Tigers as a welfare and development officer.

``I enjoy the work at the Tigers and helping with the development at the grass-roots level of the game,'' he said.

``The Western Suburbs Junior League is strong in the Liverpool district and I will be around to see how the clubs are doing throughout the season.''