Titan steeled for action after tackling time-out wisely
AFTER being forced to the NRL sidelines last year by a series of head knocks, Titans hard man Keegan Hipgrave spent the time studying his own game in a bid to return a more complete player in 2020.
The Gold Coast enforcer was grounded on doctor’s advice for a minimum of six months and hasn’t played since June.
It meant almost eight months of non-contact training but the 23-year-old was recently given the all-clear to resume full contact and could play again as early as the second round next weekend.
While admitting it was “only human” to have initial doubts about his career, the backrower said he had quickly come to terms with the predicament and started planning ahead.
“I had a lot of time to reflect, so I just went back through all the tape of my runs, defence and support play,” he said.
“I’ll be concentrating on effective tackling and I want to be supporting if someone goes through the line.
“I never took playing in the NRL for granted, but I certainly appreciate it so much more now and I’m not scared to go back into contact … if anything I’m looking forward to it.”
Hipgrave’s studious approach defies his furious onfield persona, but is in line with the man he is away from the field.
Well spoken and switched on, Hipgrave also completed his business degree during his enforced break.
Contact sports across the world are now tuned into the dangers of concussion after the discovery of a degenerative brain condition, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), in deceased former players.
Hipgrave has worked to ensure his tackling technique is sound though, confident he can balance the fire and ice in his game to enjoy a long NRL career.
“I think that (balance) just comes with years playing the game,” he said.
“You just pick your moments.”
Last year’s wooden spooners begin their season – and life under new coach Justin Holbrook – in Canberra on Friday before hosting Parramatta on Sunday week.
I’M NOT SCARED TO GO BACK INTO CONTACT … IF ANYTHING I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.
KEEGAN HIPGRAVE