Game not over for Josh
COWBOYS hooker Josh Chudleigh has vowed not to allow two years of adversity to ruin his NRL dream, declaring his injury issues have only increased his desire to play NRL again.
Chudleigh and Sam Hoare, who are both off contract, are on the comeback trail after suffering their second and third anterior cruciate ligament injuries respectively.
After hurting his knee during the 2017 season, Chudleigh said he went to some “dark places’’ after injuring it again just three games into his comeback with Mackay Cutters.
Hoare is now working his way through a third ACL injury recovery after he left the field in the Round 15 loss to the Warriors.
The pair have been a valuable sounding board for each other, particularly mentally, as they strive to work their way back into the NRL.
Chudleigh said Cowboys co- captain Johnathan Thurston had provided a source of comfort during the rehabilitation grind.
“I spent a fair bit of time with him last year, there was some dark places we were at, he’s always positive and boosts the morale of the injured squad,” Chudleigh said.
“It was a new experience for me last year going through rehab and he’s done it a few times. It was really important to show the way, it’s easy to get lost in rehab and some weeks you feel like you’re going nowhere.
“There’s a few sleepless night lying in bed asking why did I step my leg out so far. The hunger is still there, missing out on so much footy makes you want to play again. It drives you more.”
The 2016 Queensland Cup player of the year, Chudleigh played a sole NRL game the same year, but was on the brink of getting another NRL shot when misfortune struck again.
“It was really hard. It was exactly the way it happened the first time Chudleigh said.
“You feel like you have a bit of momentum and the first couple of games I was really happy with how I played.
“I got told I was pretty close to being back playing grade and it happens like that again.
“I was just disappointed but there’s nothing you can do about it, it’s back to square one and getting it right again.”
Chudleigh said Hoare’s advice and companionship had helped him wrap his head around the situation.
“I started playing footy with him in Mackay and he showed us the ropes there, he’s a bit ahead of me in rehab but it is important,” Chudleigh said.
“It gets pretty lonely rehab, I love this loner.”
Hoare’s injury was particularly untimely.
The prop had finally battled his way back into first grade with three straight games midseason.
“It was really disheartening, I was feeling really good about how I was going and for it to happen again, I was pretty heartbroken,” Hoare said.
“But after I had the surgery done I clicked into rehab mode again and got on with things.
“When you go down you know exactly what you’re in for and how long the journey is to get back on the field. It’s challenging at times.
“We are at similar stages of our rehab, we are only about three weeks apart and we’ve both been through it a couple of times now.
“It’s definitely helpful having someone like him ( Chudleigh) around, he’s usually pretty jovial around the club as well.”
It is understood Hoare has attracted some interest from other clubs, but he is keen to stay in North Queensland.
“At the moment I’m trying to focus on my rehab. I’ve had a few conversations with my manager and he’s sorting that side of it out,” Hoare said.
“Obviously things will change around here a little bit ( next year) and every club goes through it at some stage.” as well,” in