Menzies: I’m starting from scratch again
Halifax’s on-loan Salford prop Luke Menzies says he started his 2015 season from “ground zero” in last weekend’s crushing 46-16 win at Dewsbury. The 27 year old front runner made an immediate impact against the Rams, with his offload sparking the move that led to the first of Scott Murrell’s two tries.
But Menzies admits there is a long way to go if his big chance at Salford, after a career spent largely in the Championship, is to bear fruit.
“Personally, I was probably disappointed with how I went, but it’s a start for me,” said Menzies, who seems certain to make a second appearance against London at Keighley next Saturday night (6pm).
“It was nice to make a contribution, but I didn’t feel like myself out there and I’m hoping to give the boys a little bit more next weekend against London.
“I’m looking to build on that and normally I’d be able to play more minutes, but my lungs need to get used to being back out there again.
“I’ve had a terrible time with injuries; I tore my hamstring in pre- season, kept coming back too early and had issues with my groin and my back, then to top it all off I tore my quad and had to have that surgically repaired.
“It’s been three and a half, four months with that, so I’m pretty much starting the season again from ground zero now.
“I know a lot of the boys from playing Championship rugby over the years, so it’s been easy to settle in.
“It’s a good environment to be in and I think I’ve slotted in to it okay.
“London is a big game against full-time opposition, but hopefully we can tidy up a few things from Sunday and go out there and get the win.”
Looking longer term, Menzies is hoping his efforts in helping Fax chase a fourthplaced league finish will help him finally fulfil the potential that has always been evident.
“I’ve had more clubs than Nick Faldo,” said Menzies, who already lists Dewsbury, Batley, Hull KR, Hunslet, Oldham and Swinton on his CV.
“I’ve always been there or thereabouts, but I’ve always played on one-year deals in the Championship, and sometimes in teams that have struggled, which makes it harder to stay in one place.
“But I’m 27 now and I’ve finally got my chance at fulltime so hopefully I can make the best of it.”