Wallabies and NSW centre Rob Horne is confident his injury-prone body will finally start to settle down this Super Rugby season.
The 22-year-old is a key man for both state and country, but will be desperately hoping the new year brings about a change in fortunes.
Horne had a long lay-off with an elbow injury leading into last year’s World Cup and finished the season with hamstring damage on the Wallabies’ spring tour.
The outside centre’s defensive prowess has made him a favourite of Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, but so far injury hasn’t afforded him enough time to establish himself in the Australian team and realise his potential.
Horne, who made his Waratahs debut as an 18-year-old back in 2008, believes his early start in the big time may have contributed to his injury struggles.
But with four years’ experience under his belt, Horne is confident his body is better equipped to stand up to the rigours of a full season.
“As I’m getting older I’m probably growing into my body a bit more and that will help moving forward,” Horne told AAP.
“In the past those issues I had lended itself to the fact I was still growing and all that stuff.
“I feel now I’m starting to grow into my body and feel comfortable in that so I’m just looking forward to a good year.
“It’s good for me to start a pre-season and start a year healthy.
“It’s the first time for a while.”
The Southern Districts junior is in line to play in the Waratahs’ opening trial on February 10.
Horne took confidence from his experiences at the World Cup and said he’s made sure his injury battles haven’t affected his mental state.
“If you let that engulf your thinking you’re on a hiding to nothing so for me personally it’s a new year and it’s a new beginning with new challenges and new opportunities,” he said.
“For me, I’m excited to start this year healthy and just to build and continue to grow as a player.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
The tipping options look relatively clear cut for round 13 with three of the four on the panel having the same selections and the…
For week now the main question doing the rounds within the Australian rugby ecosystem has been: ‘What the f—k is going on at the…
Will the last person left at the Waratahs please turn off the lights? The exodus from Super Rugby's bottom placed team has continued with…
The Melbourne Rebels are edging ever closer to their maiden finals series but have not yet made a statement to the competition about their…
After last weekend, coach Yapp and the players have a few things to address for the USA game on Friday. All Tests are important,…
Anyone who has read things I’ve written in rugby forums before knows that I am the guy who bangs on about junior rugby participation…
