He hasn't managed a hit-up in 570 days but South Sydney prop Ben Ross has earned himself a new two-year deal as he looks to resurrect his NRL career.

Ross has not played since suffering broken neck while playing for Cronulla in the opening round of the 2009 season but was given the green light to make a return last month.

Twice this year Ross was forced to abandon comeback attempts with the Rabbitohs due to complications in his recovery, but he has already been pencilled into the starting line-up for South Sydney's Return to Redfern clash against Newtown on February 5 next year.

"I'm very excited about playing again and to be able to return with South Sydney is an honour in itself," Ross said in a statement.

"It's been a long two years to get back into a position to play again, and I'm very grateful to the South Sydney club to, firstly, help me get back on the field and, secondly, show faith in me to sign a two-year deal.

"I'll be doing everything in my power to repay the club and its members over the next two seasons."

Surgeons had originally given Ross the all-clear to resume playing in March only for final scans to reveal the break in his neck had not sufficiently healed.

He was again set to return to the field last month for the final rounds of the season only for doctors to determine it would be best if he gave the injury another off-season to recover.

Should his comeback prove a success, Ross would bolster what is already the biggest forward pack in the competition alongside the likes of Roy Asotasi, Sam Burgess, Dave Taylor and Luke Stuart.

"Ben is effectively a new recruit for the club in season 2011 and we're looking forward to seeing him return to his damaging best over the next two years," Rabbitohs chief executive Shane Richardson said.

"He brings great experience to our pack, a winning attitude, and his journey to return to playing after such a bad injury and long rehabilitation period is inspiring."

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