Last updated at 11:47, Friday, 03 August 2012

Hooker Chris Smith should be ready to launch pre-season training with Whitehaven later this year after surgery on a long-term groin problem.

Chris Smith

Smith was outstanding last season, missing just one game in the entire campaign, scoring 11 tries in 25 outings.

But he has not played since aggravating his injury against Workington Town on Good Friday in April. And coach Don Gailer believes he will be ready to make up for lost time next term.

“He’s recovering slowly and still a bit ginger after the operation. But that’s only to be expected,” said Gailer, who was impressed with Smith’s attitude to training while sidelined before the operation.

“He couldn’t run or squat, but he did a lot of work in the gym to keep himself in shape, and credit to him. It had to be so frustrating for him.

“That effort he put in will help and I think he will be ready come December. He’ll want to get out and really make his mark next year and we could see some really good things from him.

“He had a bit of this injury last year, and it has always been nagging in the back of his mind. Now it is fixed, there’s nothing to hold him back, if he does the right things in his recovery.

“We’ve missed him and Scott McAvoy, as they would have been a big part of our season.”

First published at 11:28, Friday, 03 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk