The pair were part of a talented trio, along with Nick Ross, who honed their skills in Dunedin but left the region two years ago to further their hockey careers.
The move worked out pretty well. Tarrant went to Wellington and was selected in the national squad last year. Inglis joined Midlands and made the Black Sticks a year earlier.
Both are now living in Auckland but a rule change has paved the way for their homecoming.
The region of origin rule requires members of the national squad to play for their original National Hockey League team. The intention is to spread the talent and create a more competitive league.
Tarrant had no concerns about returning but Inglis admitted he had some initial reservations.
With the squad for next year's Olympics selected at the end of the NHL, it is important to perform well individually and it helped to play in familiar combinations.
"Obviously, I had a couple of reservations," Inglis said.
"The last couple of years I've played with Midlands and know how they play and I know how I play with them.
"So I'm not 100% confident with how I'll go down here but I'm definitely happy to be back playing for Southern. It is always something that I've wanted to do. I've wanted to come home and represent my province."
The NHL begins this weekend.
The Southern Men play Canterbury in Palmerston North on Saturday and Central at the same venue the following day.
The Southern Storm has the luxury of playing at home against Canterbury on Saturday and Central on Sunday.
