Wests Tigers forward Curtis Sironen says he's looking forward to making his return from injury this week against the Newcastle Knights on Sunday afternoon.
Named for his first NRL game since suffering a slight hamstring injury in the opening minutes of the Club's Round 2 win over the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Sironen said watching the last few weeks of football from the sidelines has been frustrating, but he was keen to make an impact this Sunday when he makes his return off the interchange bench.
"It's been a pretty disappointing start to the year for me," he said.
"I've never had any hammy troubles in my career, so I didn't really know what it felt like. It was just a bit tight and I felt a twinge in my first carry, and although I tried to stay on for a bit, but it was no good and it wasn't worth putting myself out for another month or so.
"I missed three games, but I've been working hard with the rehab team and I'm good to go.
"It's been difficult watching the last few weeks but I'm excited I'm back in the team and get to have a crack again on Sunday. I wasn't all that happy with my performances in the trials and in that first game, so it was good to have that time away and start fresh now against the Knights.
With Dene Halatau named to start on the right edge Sironen started the season on against the Warriors, the 22-year-old said he was happy to come off the interchange bench this week — looking at the move as a positive that could help bring out his best performance so far.
"I really want to add some energy to the team this week," Sironen enthused.
"Coming off the bench, I probably don't have to worry about saving myself for an 80-minute performance or anything — I can just try and have as much impact as I can straight away.
"I'm not trying to come up with the big play or anything. I just want to do my job and let the boys who have been doing those great plays for us continue to do those plays.
"I'll just look to carry the ball well and get as involved as I can."
Be there for Sunday afternoon footy at Leichhardt Oval when we take on the Storm!
