After completing his final surgery just five weeks ago, Wellington Cowboys coach Justin Toomey-White is back at training and hopeful he can pull on the footy boots this season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In September 2018, the then 26-year-old was diagnosed with bowel cancer. He was recently given the all clear after undergoing treatment during most of last year.
While in treatment, the footy star coached the Wellington Cowboys first grade side to a winning premiership against the Dubbo CYMS in the group 11 2019 grandfinal.
But with his health on the upward and the desire to play again, Toomey-White has been slowly getting back onto the paddock.
"I started training a few weeks ago, getting myself sorted. But we'll just take it a day at a time with that," he said.
"I am looking to get onto the footy field, there's some boxes I need to tick before I run on.... but I will let the professionals give me the best advice... but my goal is to get back on that footy field in 2020."
Reflecting on the Cowboy's 2019 journey, Toomey-White said it had been amazing to see not only the side's growth, but the club's as well and they will be looking to take even more positive steps in 2020.
"We've retained a majority of our boys from our winning side last year and we're in talks for a couple of new fulla's to come to the club but nothing is 100 per cent as of yet," Toomey-White added.
With the first grade side starting training next Tuesday, Toomey-White said they will be looking to prepare themselves for 2020.
"We've enjoyed our break and spending time with family and friends but now (we'll look) to get our season on track," he said.
ALSO MAKING NEWS: Wellington race day moved to Dubbo amidst track concerns
When asked what he will be looking for this year, the Cowboys coach reiterated his 2019 mantra of 'consistency'.
"As we all know we had a pretty good season on the field winning two premierships but we also kicked some really good goals off the field so we'll be looking to do more of that community work and get our training on point," Toomey-White explained.
The Cowboys coach is hopeful the club can achieve the same top results they did in 2019.
"I don't think any rugby league player doesn't play a season not to win a grandfinal. It would be silly not to," Toomey-White said.
"But the results will come after hard work and with the 18s and league tag making the (2019) semi-finals, they will be looking to go one step better.
"And reserve and first grade will be looking to retain that premiership status."
The Cowboy's club have also held their Annual General Meeting with the board being voted and Darren Ah-See retaining his position as president.