Richie Fa'aoso has thanked Parramatta for giving him a chance to complete one of the most remarkable comebacks in NRL history after being cleared to return from a broken neck.

Fa'aoso's career appeared over when he suffered a C7 fracture of his neck in the penultimate game of the 2013 season. The journeyman forward retired from the game only to find the injury fused naturally, giving him a chance to resume his career.

However, red tape from head office has protracted his time in limbo. But after fulfilling all of the governing body's insurance requests, the 30-year-old was belatedly cleared on Thursday night.

His first game back will likely be for feeder club Wentworthville against the Newtown Jets at Henson Park on Saturday.

"I want to thank everyone that helped, I want to give Parramatta a big thanks," Fa'aoso said after being given the green light to return. "I can't wait to play footy again, it's been a long time coming. I'm really excited. I can't wait to get out there and have a crack."

It has been a frustrating wait for Fa'aoso, who won a premiership ring during his stint in Melbourne. On several occasions during the regular and pre-seasons, he was kitted out and ready to run onto the park, only for his clearance to be delayed. It's understood that coach Brad Arthur would have played him in first grade this season had he been available. At one point Eels officials threatened to take legal action against the NRL, but finally managed to get the sign off required after also working closely with the Rugby League Players' Association.

"It's been a lengthy process, but this result is great for Richie and for our club and we look forward to seeing him return to the field," Parramatta CEO Scott Seward said. "It's been an incredible path for him to be back playing football, and he's been extremely positive and dedicated to his training over the past five months."

Fa'aoso won't be the only player making a remarkable comeback from a broken neck in 2016. Wests Tigers utility Keith Lulia C5 and C6 vertebrae last August, raising fears it would be his last game. However, he made an incident-free return during the trials. And Kyle Turner is expected to come back for Souths after a bulging disc was removed through the front of his throat.