It’s said that ‘home is where the heart is’. And for Riders quarterback Zach Collaros, it’s clear that Hamilton is–to some degree–home.

“Getting out of the bus today it felt like, just pulling up every morning right in front of the stadium,” said Collaros. “Same smells, same feel and everything.”

Thursday will be Collaros’ first game back in Hamilton as a starter. He didn’t play in last season’s visit because of an injury.

“I’m excited to see some old teammates. I can’t wait to hear what Simoni (Lawrence) says to an opponent. And Ted (Laurent)…I can’t imagine Ted saying anything. I used to give Ted socks before the game, so he might come down and ask for some more socks.”

In the face of the trash talk, what will happen if Collaros gets the better of Lawrence for a touchdown on Thursday?

“I’m hucking that ball into the stands, for sure. Just like old times. Try to hit that steam whistle.”

Collaros got 40 tickets for the game, mostly for friends and his wife’s family. All those Collaros fans know what he brings to the game. And Coach Craig Dickenson is familiar as well.

“I think he’s brought a lot of toughness and leadership to the table,” says Dickenson. “The guys, I think, are looking up to him and following his lead.”

The question that fans, friends and family have is: Can Collaros get back to his elite level of 2015?

“I think so,” says Dickenson. “A lot depends on the people around you. I don’t believe a quarterback can carry a team year-in and year-out.

“I think Zach can be an elite quarterback if he brings work ethic, toughness and the guys around him give him some chances to succeed–like giving him time and doing a good job getting off the ball.”