SAINTS centre Mark Percival is raring to go for 2021 after an intense period of rehab following his recovery from surgery in the autumn.
The England three-quarter had an horrendous, injury-hit 2020 – first with a shoulder and then a hamstring – that limited his appearances to just five.
But the 26-year-old Widnesian is tackling the year ahead with positivity – based on good feedback from the training ground, physio and his surgeon.
Percival said: “I am feeling really good and hoping that that is my bad season behind me so I can crack on with this one now.
“When all the others were off, I was in with the physio getting in some massive sessions, speed work and a lot of weights done.
“I have also had a few calls with the surgeon and everything is bob on and looking really good.”
He has been training so far alongside the other players who had off-season surgery - Joel Thompson and Alex Walmsley – but will be back with the rest of the squad next week.
All the signs are positive – with Percival having the additional motivation after missing out on the Grand Final last term.
“I missed out last year and it was difficult at times, but I know that I am mentally strong and I can come back better than I was,” he said.
“I am raring to go and looking forward to getting back on to the pitch and I have got some lost time to make up for.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here