Chudleigh’s happy just to get a game
COWBOYS hooker Josh Chudleigh couldn’t stop his emotions spilling over when told his 14month hiatus from football was over.
But the 23- year- old says forcing his way back into the NRL is the last thing on his mind as he prepares to make his return for Mackay Cutters against Easts in Brisbane on Sunday.
Chudleigh ruptured his ACL last December, but his return was delayed after a setback in his recovery. A chance meeting with a stranger awaiting a second brain cancer scan at the doctor’s office provided early perspective in his rehabilitation.
The 2016 Queensland Cup player of the year is content to make up for lost time in reserve grade, before attempting to add to his sole NRL game the same year.
“I got told last Thursday by the surgeon I’m all clear to play. It brought a tear to my eye and I’ve been waiting 14 months for it,” he said. “It was a rollercoaster and there was some disappointing times, but hopefully it’s just made me stronger as a person, I’ve learned a lot of stuff about myself.”
Chudleigh was earmarked as a strong chance to win North Queensland’s bench utility spot last year, but the injury at pre- season training wiped out his season.
There is plenty of competition for the role with Te Maire Martin joining the club since his injury, and Todd Carney could join him.
“To be honest that No. 14 jersey isn’t on my mind at the moment, it’s more getting a good month into me at Q Cup and getting back to the old way I played,” Chudleigh said.
Chudleigh said he benefited from undergoing rehabilitation with Cowboys co- captain Matt Scott and centre Shaun Hudson as they recovered from the same injury. He said watching the pair make their returns in trials while he watched was tough.
“It was a bit frustrating because I did mine a good month before they did theirs,” he said.
“It was all right watching them this week, the last trial game when they all played it felt like I was getting left behind, but hopefully I can catch up with them now.
“There was a fair few in the rehab squad and it was a blessing in disguise, we all got each other through the dark times.
“Thumper ( Scott) was pretty good in saying don’t even think about it, I’ve been doing full contact for two months now.”
Chudleigh’s return comes at an ideal time for the Cutters, who have lost hooker Aaron Booth with an ACL injury. They were belted 56- 12 by Townsville Blackhawks in their season opener.
“The coach said he’s going to start me, if I was sitting on the bench looking at the clock I’d be pretty nervous,” Chudleigh said.
“Hopefully the excitement doesn’t get the best of me and I’ll just play my game. I told Pup ( Mackay coach Steve Sheppard) I don’t want to wear the No. 9 jersey because I think it’s haunted.”