Dyldam Parramatta Eels forward Richie Fa’aoso says receiving the all-clear from the NRL to return to the field is an incredible relief.
After hitting the training field with the Wentworthville Magpies on Friday morning, Fa’aoso was upbeat at the prospect of getting back onto the playing field after a gruelling five-month pre-season, including additional conditioning work as well as his squad sessions with the Eels forward pack.
“I was stoked,” Fa’aoso said about finally receiving the good news during the week.
“Parramatta have been absolutely awesome, my friends and family, have been fantastic helping me try to get back so I can’t thank them enough.”
“I couldn’t be happier. It’s just a massive weight of my shoulders and now I just want to start playing; it’s time to get to work.”
“I’m feeling really good, and fit at the moment. I just need that match fitness now.”
Fa’aoso’s time at the club has seen him working closely with the young Eels’ forwards, and the relative veteran said it’s an exciting time for the Blue and Gold and their fans.
“I’ve never played in such a talented young team,” Fa’aoso said.
“I’ve been to a few clubs and this is the most talented team I’ve played with, especially those young boys coming through, they’re going to be exciting.”
Teammate Nathan Peats warned Fa’aoso’s future opposition to beware of the returning forward.
“He’s been itching to play, and hopefully he doesn’t kill someone this week cause I think he’s ready to go,” Peats joked.
“He’s been ready to go since pre-season.”
“If you were 100% ready to go and getting told every week you couldn’t play it’d be pretty hard, but he’s been really positive around the club helping the young forwards out.”
“I think it might do him the world of good to freshen him up this long. I’m not too sure what Brad wants to do but hopefully he gets a good hit out this weekend [in NSW Cup].”
