Tudreu’s recovery on track
Manawatu wing Newton Tudreu is on track for a return to the rugby field before the provincial campaign kicks off.
The Turbos wing, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since September last year, said his recovery was progressing as scheduled and looking positive.
He ruptured his ACL in the side’s loss to North Harbour last year which required surgery.
Earlier this month he started the second phase of his rehab by starting to run for the first time since the injury.
‘‘I am doing a bit more rehab and a bit more running on the knee,’’ he said.
‘‘It has been coming along all right.
‘‘There has been no problems or nothing since I have been running.’’
But he still faces plenty of time the the sidelines with doctors suggesting it will be two-three months before he can play again.
That means his return to the park could come anytime between the end of June and end of July which should see him back in time for the Turbos’ season when they kick off against Wellington on August 20.
But his chances of appearing in club rugby are questionable with the final round robin game on July 8.
‘‘It is touch and go with the club season. I am not too focused on when I get back, but just focused on getting back to running and keeping my skills up and keeping the rehab consistent.’’
Tudreu said it had been tough watching so much rugby from the sidelines.
‘‘[I have got] itchy feet watching Kia Toa play. I have been playing the last five years for them so it feels a bit odd not being out on the field,’’ he said.
‘‘The boys have been doing really well and it has been good to see some of the young wingers showcasing their talent.’’
He said watching older brother Nathan’s good start to the season had set him a good example.
‘‘He has been really motivating me to train hard,’’ he said.
While the 24-year-old is determined to stay in shape, he knows nothing will prepare him for the season quite like playing games.
‘‘I have spent a lot of hours in the gym for the rehab, but it is never going to be enough to prepare me for the on-field stuff.’’
His recovery is positive news for the Manawatu Turbos as they build towards the 2017 season.
After looking thin in the back three heading into the year, there are signs of depth starting to form in the position.
Both Tudreu brothers are signed, as is Ambrose Curtis.
There is the possibility of Kenyan wing Willy Ambaka joining that group, while signed midfielder Curtis Reid spent plenty of time on the wing last year.
Last year’s two-match Turbo Luther Hirini continues to battle for a place through club rugby.
Others who could be contesting a place in the side are 27-game Turbo Lewis Marshall, 2016 Heartland player of the year Te Rangatira Waitokia, former Wanganui midfielder Kameli Kuruyabaki, College Old Boys centre Patrick Tafili-reid, Fob-oroua wing Jeremiah Tuimanua-fryer, academy wing Ben Werthmuller and 2015 Turbo Hamiora Thomas, who will make his return from injury in the coming weeks.