Western Force skipper Matt Hodgson says he’s fit and raring to jump into pre-season games as preparations for the Super Rugby campaign ramp up.
Hodgson missed the first nine games of 2015 after tearing his hamstring during a pre-season match.
The lengthy stint on the sidelines also cost him the chance to push for a World Cup call-up.
But the 34-year-old is feeling fit as he prepares for his 11th Super Rugby season.
“When I first started it was black and white TV,” Hodgson joked on Monday.
“A lot of things have changed over time but I’m enjoying it. If I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t still be doing it.
“I’m a bit over training now, so ready to start playing some footy.”
The Force will get their first taste of action in 2016 when they take on the Hurricanes in a trial match at Central Coast Stadium on February 3.
The Hurricanes finished runner-up last season, while the Force finished dead last.
The Force are keen to play a more attacking brand of rugby in 2016 and Hodgson said coming up against the Hurricanes would give his side a good indication of where they need to improve.
“Although the Hurricanes didn’t win it last year, they were probably the best team throughout the whole competition,” Hodgson said.
“They probably play a similar style of rugby we’re trying to play. So learning that and getting timings against them is good.”
Hodgson said the Force would probably play about 28 players against the Hurricanes to help the coaching staff figure out the best combinations.
The Force’s season proper begins on February 27 when they host the Melbourne Rebels.
Hertryk
Guest
WE ARE THE SEA OF BLUE!
KD
Guest
I am hoping the Force will be truly competitive this season, same as for the Rebels. These two newer Aust sides must fire more consistently for the Aust conference to get strong. I like the Hodge , he is one of the most committed player in Super rugby even if it doesn't quite translate same at test level. That said, Rebels for the first win
Machooka
Roar Guru
Mmmm... bottom 4 eh? 'Suppose it's better than being bottom of bottom!?
DJW
Guest
Force with 3 players injured already in the pre season. (Van Wyk, Faulkner and Burton)
Old Bugger
Guest
Back to you too mate. Yep, I was looking forward to Nepo anchoring the Chiefs scrum but now.......I wonder if the NZ U-20 capt (Moli) will be next off the rank??
Not Bothered
Guest
They wont win anymore than 5 games and will be in the bottom 4.
cuw
Guest
m,aybe its a crusaders thing - crotty and freuen also injured pre-season. anyway its bad luck for those guys who went in search of game time. especially bird who had a very good itm with the canterbury team -probably the best i have seen him play since he played for u20 in 2011. anyway why worry when chiefs have got the beaver :D :P
Mel R
Roar Rookie
lol...the advantage with the Force is we celebrate here in Perth when we score tries....who cares who wins the game.Beat that Reds Fans! Not even a wooden spoon will deter the Force Field faithful.
Squirrel
Guest
Reds and force fighting it out for the spoon
Hertryk
Roar Rookie
I have full faith this year is ours.. we have been passionate and patient, and we will be rewarded....
Highlander
Guest
HNY OB, Real shame to see Nepo out for the season, haven't seen a back that flat at scrum time since Hayman. Expecting lots from him in years to come.
Old Bugger
Guest
While prospects for most teams are looking good leading into this new season, it is alarming to just hear this morning that me Chiefs forward pack, has suffered a double-blow - Nepo Laulala (TH prop) is out for 2016 with a severe knee injury at last weeks training requiring immediate knee re-construction and Dom Bird (lock) is out for 10weeks with a broken right foot also suffered, at training last week. It makes me wonder what training methods Rennie has been imposing each year because his strike rate, of losing players before season kick-off (these past couple of seasons anyway), is measured up there in the stratosphere somewhere......bugger!!!! Its gonna be a tough old start again for the team, for Rennie and also for Cruds and Cane as the new leaders - so if there's ever been a need for some calm, effective leadership and experience to guide this young side across the paddock in the face of a potential on-slaught to their forward pack as a result of these latest injury set-backs then now, is the time for Cruds, Cane, Manu, Retallick and Leitch, to stand up, put their hands up and be counted. I suppose one may argue that these new southerners who just joined the Chiefs late last year, couldn't handle the training programs up this way but not mois because, evidence of injury lists from past seasons, has proven otherwise. So its onwards and hopefully upwards, best wishes to Nepo & Dom for a swift recovery and a rub on the rabbit's tail for Rennie, Cruds and Cane.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Friggin' hope so :)
El Gamba
Roar Guru
2016 - the Force awakens!