Wigan Warriors hooker, Tom Forber, has given an update on the injury he suffered in August that ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
Forber was handed a spell of first-team opportunities to start the year, as he filled in for the injured Brad O’Neill. He represented the club six times, including in Las Vegas, where he managed to bag an assist in the 48-24 victory over Warrington Wolves.
O’Neill’s return at the end of March meant that Matt Peet would choose him and Kruise Leeming as the side’s two hookers, leaving Forber on the sidelines.
After some strong performances in the reserve grade, he suffered a wrist injury that ruled him out for the rest of the campaign, in what was a disappointing end to a positive year for the 22-year-old.
Speaking to Wigan’s club media, he has given an update on his fitness, and how his off-season has changed due to the extended layoff.
He said: “As soon as I saw my wrist, and with the pain I was in, I feared the worst going for scans. It ended up being the worst case scenario – season ending – and I’m an individual who always likes to stay active, so that made things difficult at the start as I couldn’t do much.
“The off-season has been slightly different because of the injury. I’ve still managed to spend a week in Egypt and visit family as much as I can. I’ve also spent quite a bit of time with the lads; going for breakfasts, playing cards and squash is popular.”
Wigan Warriors man reflects on “lonely” injury recovery process ahead of return to full fitness
With the club now two weeks into full pre-season training, Forber is happy to be part of the full squad once again, after admitting doing rehab by himself was a tough place, both mentally and physically.
“You face lonely and repetitive days in the gym when you’re injured, but it’s important you keep working hard whilst staying positive because your main goal is to return fitter, faster and stronger,” he said.
“I definitely enjoy being back in. Obviously, pre-season is tough and long days, but when you spend so long working through rehab on your own you miss being around teammates even more.
“Some of the best days and memories come from working hard alongside friends while sharing a laugh.
“The connection we have is built from the time we spend together outside of rugby. We’re a good group of mates which is why we look connected when playing together as our desire to win for each other is stronger than the wanting to win for yourself.”
As well as getting himself right on the field, the young hooker has been doing some extra-curricular activities with the club’s foundation, and has been helping out in local schools once a week to try and get more kids to learn about, and play, rugby league, as well as talking about the impact of mental health and well-being, something that Forber knows the importance of after his injury.
“Warriors Together [The club’s community programme] is massive for the lads as we get to engage with the community in the build up to Christmas,” he said. “It gives us that appreciation of what we have and how we shouldn’t take our position for granted.
“I’ve been in primary schools helping deliver mental health and wellbeing assemblies and physical activities with pupils. It’s special because a lot of these children have a sporting passion so helping inspire them while putting smiles on their faces is the most important aspect.”
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