Australian rugby's forgotten man, Clyde Rathbone, will make his long-awaited return from a chronic knee injury in the Sydney club premiership on Saturday.

Former Wallabies winger Rathbone will come off the bench for Eastern Suburbs against Gordon at Chatswood Oval in his first match for almost 15 months.

There were fears the career of the South African-born flyer was over after struggling to overcome patella tendon problems in his left knee.

The 26-year-old veteran of 26 Tests for Australia underwent surgery in November to correct the problem but never got close to playing for the injury-riddled Brumbies during this year's Super 14.

"Saturday gives me an opportunity to kick-start what's been a stalled career for over a year now," said Rathbone.

"I just want to get out there now and Saturday can't come soon enough.

"This first game is important for me to get back and tick off that first box, get into some contact and feel comfortable out there again; then its a matter of building form over the next couple of months."

Rathbone will make his debut for Easts in the same match as Wallabies back Ryan Cross who has earned a temporary clearance from his Perth club University.

Released by Australian coach Robbie Deans from the Test squad for the weekend match, Cross couldn't fly to and from Sydney to play in Perth between Wallabies training.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP