Willis Halaholo admits it was an opportunity missed as Cardiff slipped to a narrow defeat to the Vodacom Bulls but it was still an unforgettable occasion at his beloved Arms Park.
The centre led the team out with his wife Sandra and five daughters Atu-Leialoha, Sitina, Miriam, Masina and Ivoni, as he made his 100th appearance in Blue and Black.
It has been some journey for Halaholo, who was last season decimated by back-to-back serious injuries and was left without a contract at the end of the campaign.
But back at the club on a short-term contract, Halaholo was filled with nothing but pride both at his team’s performance and the milestone he shared with his loved ones.
“It was good to get back out there. I’m still trying to sharpen up after being out for a year, but it’s slowly coming back, especially having my mate (Lee-Lo) outside me running around like that, it only inspires me.
“It’s another one that got away, but hopefully everyone can see that there's fight here. I think those type games will come down to needing a little bit more experience, but we have a lot of young boys digging in and learning on the go.
So I'm happy with how we're performing. Everyone knows the situation around in Welsh rugby, lots of young boys are going to have to step up and as long as we keep fighting for 80 that's all we can do.
“We had a few chances out there but hopefully the next couple games we can come up with some wins.
“It was really special for me and my family.
“Just thinking back about six months ago, I didn't think I was going to be back here in front of a packed Arms Park.
“Everyone’s been very welcoming to me and my family. Throughout the last year I’ve been getting a lot of messages of support from a lot of supporters and that's probably what’s kept me going.”
When quizzed by journalists about his contract situation, Halaholo added:
“I’m just taking it week by week. All I know is I'm back in on Monday. I'm just focused on enjoying tonight with my family.
“My family love it here. Hopefully we can make it something permanent, but I'll just take it week by week.”