Warriors centre Jerome Ropati took another encouraging step in his return from injury with a comeback match for the Auckland Vulcans on Monday.

The 28-year-old former Kiwi played all but the last few minutes of the fourth-round NSW Cup match against Windsor at Mount Smart Stadium.

The game was drawn 24-24 after the Vulcans led 24-18 going into the home stretch.

Out for most of last season after knee surgery, Ropati had some time on the field in the Warriors’ trial against Brisbane in Dunedin on February 23.

He said making his full return on Monday had been ideal.

“It was great training with these guys and playing out there with them today,” he said.

“I think it’s a much better way to come back when you’ve been out for a long time like I have. I just wanted to get through the match, get involved and try to help as much as I could.

“The knee felt a lot better than it did when I played against the Broncos a few weeks ago.”