Johnny 'Cockroach' Larkin had retired. After 14 seasons in the NRL, one of rugby league's most colourful and controversial characters finally hung up his boots. Or so it seemed. No sooner had the former Australian halfback completed his farewell lap and began to contemplate life without football, he received an SOS that shocked the league world.
Johnny Larkin is back. And he's a Rabbitoh.
This is the inside story of the 2009 rugby league season from the perspective of one of the game's last true larrikins. It is the story of a 36-year-old playmaker with a bung knee and a bulging waistline, given one final shot at premiership glory.
No topic is taboo: the real story behind those on- and off-field scandals; his quest for an unprecedented fourth 'Sexiest Man in League' title; and a unique behind-the-scenes insight into the Pride of the League, the South Sydney Rabbitohs.