The Canterbury Bulldogs are set to welcome back a favourite son, with former 217-NRL game prop Roy Asotasi coming on board in a part-time, mentoring capacity, per Wide World of Sports.

The former Kiwi skipper, premiership winner and 2006 Dally M Prop of the Year has been brought on board after offering his services to Phil Gould following a hero's welcome when he made a special appearance at the club's pre-season training.

Asotasi is seen as a leader in the Polynesian community after playing 24 Tests for New Zealand and also representing Samoa on the world stage in 2013, and it's believed his revered status will be a key factor in his mentorship role.

Asotasi played 84 games for the Bulldogs before joining South Sydney โ€“ who he later captained โ€“ during his storied NRL career, finishing his playing days with a two-year stint for Super League side Warrington.

โ€œHe made a guest appearance this week (at training) and the young guys were in raptures over him,โ€ Bulldogs head of football Phil Gould told WWOS.

โ€œHe said he'd like to help mentor kids in our academy program.

โ€œThe more the merrier. You can never have too many good people in your football club, and it's great to have him on board.โ€