The veteran goal hero is set to return to the Mariners against Perth Glory on Sunday after knocking in six goals in eight games for them last season.

But the club insists Mrdja and Petrovski are not long-term injured – and Mrdja could be back in action as soon as next week.

Now Mori is looking forward to repeating his season-saving efforts for the table-topping Mariners this year.

"It worked well last year and I'm confident it can work well now,'' he told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph. "I really enjoyed my time there and only left because of circumstances.

“I left with best wishes from the club and I can only feel welcomed back. Their two strikers are in doubt and hopefully I can go there and help out.”

Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna said Mori’s six-week spot would help keep his side at the top of the A-League while his two strikers get back to full fitness.

Technically, Mori is replacing injured defender Paul O'Grady for six weeks but is effectively backing up the currently weakened Mariners strikeforce.

"We can't afford to sit back - we're covering ourselves, and hopefully in a few weeks we'll have Nik available as well," he told the Telegraph.

"According to the specialist, it's two weeks of total rest for Nik, and if it's not right then another two weeks. But he's been through the scans and thinks everything's fine, it's just the workload.

"Sash is 50/50 for Sunday - he did light running today so we're hopeful he'll train on Saturday but if he doesn't then he won't start. We're not resting on our laurels - Damian did a great job for us last year and his experience should rub off on the boys as well.”

"Damian’s goal scoring record is absolutely second to none and we’re delighted to be welcoming him back to the Central Coast for a second stint with the Mariners," said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.

"We’re committed to not only settling on our lead at the top of the Hyundai A-League, but extending upon it, and that mantra is what has brought about Damian’s signing.

"With Nik Mrdja needing a few weeks rest and Sasho Petrovski recovering from a rolled ankle, we felt it necessary to engage Damian’s services for this crucial part of our season."

Aside from being the leading goal scorer in Australian domestic football history, having netted 240 National Soccer League and Hyundai A-League goals, Mori is also the leading goal scorer for the Socceroos with 29 strikes.

Despite having never signed a season-long deal with any of the three Hyundai A-League clubs he has played for, Mori is the equal third-highest Hyundai A-League goal scorer of all time – having netted on 15 occasions to sit behind the Melbourne Victory’s Archie Thompson (23) and Daniel Allsopp (16) and equal with Mariners strike partner Sasho Petrovski.

Most recently, Mori led South Australian Super League side Adelaide City to the local double as player/coach.

Mori top scored for Adelaide City en route to claiming the South Australian Super League title and Football Federation South Australia Cup this season – his second at the helm of the former National Soccer League club.