The Group Nine veteran stood out as CSU claimed a narrow 34-29 win over Wagga City at Beres Ellwood Oval.

A two-time Weissel Medal winner with Kangaroos, Power was just as surprised when given the call up to play in the number 10 jersey but was happy to help Reddies get the win.

“I was here to make numbers and I turn up to training on Thursday and they were short and threw me in first grade,” Power said.

“I was very surprised and haven’t played the game since I was at school.”

The 39-year-old was left bloodied by the end of the 80 minutes but admitted it was a bit of fun after being giving full creative license.

However he’s not expecting to put in a repeat performance after hanging up the boots three years ago.

“I’m definitely not turning up next week, but we will see,” Power said.

“I will fill in wherever but I can’t commit. They want me to commit but I’m just making numbers.”

Power helped CSU find the front late after a big break before providing a beautiful flick pass for Hamish McMahon to score phases later.

Minutes later McMahon then broke out of two tackle attempts and sprinted 50 metres to score his third try for the game.

However Wagga City hit right back following a mistake from the restart when Nick Gleeson crossed but they despite plenty of late ball couldn’t conjure another.

After being held to nil by Tumut last week, CSU showed a lot more with the ball this time around.

Coach Mark Fisher thought having Power in the team really helped directed the attack.

“Having Baden in there at five-eighth with his leadership our backs fired and did it very well,” Fisher said.

“I’ve got a very young back line and with his experience and his football head he’s a great leader.”

Thomas Jennings opened the score for City, but CSU bounced back with tries to Ben Hickey and Bill Boys to take a 12-5 lead at half-time.

Theo Heinjus then completed a long range try to hand Reddies a 17-5 lead.

However Wagga City fought back to level things at 22-all when Monson Tuivale charged over following a CSU mistake.

That was when Power came to the fore, as he strolled through the middle to set up McMahon.

Reddies finished with no fit players on the bench and Fisher was thrilled by their gritty performance to hold the Boiled Lollies out at the death.

“Our line defence won the game for us and put the pressure on them when they were close to our line,” he said. “Our boys just kept getting up in their faces, pressuring the pressure back on them and they made the mistakes.

“It was a big effort.”