JOHN Grey admits it was tough at times to stay motivated during his comeback from injury but all the work will be worth it when he makes his long-awaited return on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Grey suffered a knee injury in June of last year against Narromine and while it seemed innocuous enough at first it led to two bouts of surgery and almost a year on the sidelines.
The winger will return for the Fishies against the Wellington Cowboys and stated he was extremely thankful for the support coach Tim Ryan and the players have given him during his recovery.
"He (Ryan) is very transparent about what he requires from his players, particularly those who are injured," Grey said.
"Commitment to the club and commitment to rehab so when they come back they can slot back in.
"It's difficult to stay motivated but he keeps you involved and the players are there to encourage you as well so I'm really thankful to the coaches and the players."
While he never feared his career may be over, Grey admitted there were concerns over his body.
But he was thankful for the second bout of surgery, which removed floating cartilage.
"Body preservation was the largest thing that came to the forefront and would this become a recurring thing," he said.
"Particularly when I first did it and then did it a couple times again in the next six or eight weeks you do start to doubt your body a bit.
"But it's all good now and I am thankful for that second operation because it could have put me even further behind."
CYMS are the only undefeated team after three rounds and last weekend's general bye.
Heading into the clash with the winless Cowboys, Grey said he had been pleased with the Fishies form but knows there was a whole lot more to come from the two-time defending premiers.
"We're a fresh sort of an outfit and I think that shows and there's a lot to work on," he said.
"We haven't clicked as well as we could have."
Former Cronulla Shark Isaac Gordon is out this weekend but Western Rams trio Jyie Chapman, Colby Pellow and Jarryn Powyer have all been named to back up after their match against the Southern Stars at Camden on Saturday.
The day at Caltex Park begins with the League Tag at 11am on Sunday while first grade is expected to kick off at 2.30pm.
CYMS: 1 Kieran Cubby-Shipp, 2 Hayden Howell, 3 Jyie Chapman, 4 Colby Pellow, 5 John Grey, 6 Alex Bonham, 7 Matt Toole, 8 Jarryn Powyer, 9 Luke Jenkins, 10 Lincoln Kavanagh, 11 Alex Ronayne, 12 Jordan Reynolds, 13 Ben Marlin, 14 Billy Sing, 15 Shaquille Gordon, 16 Wade Kavanagh
