Dyldam Parramatta Eels hooker Kaysa Pritchard has returned from two pectoral injuries in 2015, fighting his way back into the Blue and Gold side in 2016.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Eels clash against the Bulldogs on Friday night, Pritchard is just happy to be back on the footy field, crediting plenty of support from his teammates and Head Coach that have made the return to the football field a lot easier.
“The Bulldogs have won both their games this year, they are a strong team everyone knows that, and this week will be a good test for us,” Pritchard said.
“I am just happy to be playing this year. I have missed a fair bit of footy over the years through injury, and this year has been a good start to the season.”
“I tore my pectoral in the Nines last year and then I came back, and first game back, tore my other pectoral. I have been pretty unlucky but hopefully it’s all done and all positive from now.”
“Mentally it was tough, but with the boys and the club and the support I had was outstanding. The boys got me through it and they made it a lot easier,” Pritchard added.
Pritchard has impressed off the bench over the past two weeks, bringing plenty of energy and enthusiasm every time he takes the field.
With a kamikaze style approach to the game, Pritchard played 24 minutes against the Broncos in Round One with 21 tackles and 70m from seven runs before a 13 minute stint against the Cowboys, making 32m in just two runs and two tackle busts.
The hooker is hoping to keep 2016 a positive one after over coming injuries and off-field dramas over the past few years.
“I am young, so I will take that as a positive. You have to find positives in footy and that’s probably one of them,” Pritchard said.
“I have been injured over the last couple of years but I am sweet now and ready to play.”
“Last year was last year. It’s a good positive start to this year. We have put last year behind us and hopefully it can stay all positive this year,” Pritchard added.
“I am happy the club gave me a second chance and for their and BA’s support. With BA, the way he supported us last year, it just wants to make us play good for him.”
The Eels v Bulldogs clash kicks off from ANZ Stadium at 8:05pm on Friday 18 March. Click here for the Game Day Info.
