Injured Luck itching for action

Inspirational Warriors lock Micheal Luck pleaded to be allowed to play against Parramatta tomorrow – but club doctor John Mayhew wouldn't let him.

However, just a fortnight after suffering a horrific leg injury against Manly, the club's pack leader says he will definitely be fit to start in the Warriors' finals campaign next weekend.

He even has regrets about being stretchered off after Anthony Watmough's sprigs opened a gaping wound in his left thigh that shocked players on both sides because of the fuss it has caused – with some media describing him as the sport's hardest man.

"As soon as they told me there was no muscle damage, it was just a cut," Luck said. "I get cut every single week – it's not a huge deal. The only thing I was at risk of was it becoming infected.

"It looked bad, but it looked a lot worse than it was. If there wasn't so much blood, I would've hopped off the field, instead of jumping on a stretcher and no one would have said anything."

Luck flew home alone in business class after being discharged from hospital in Sydney but, because of the intense pain, stood in the galley throughout the flight, taking his seat only for takeoff and landing. Otherwise, he says, it has been a straightforward injury and he expects the snaking scar to fade within a couple of months.

He began running a week later, had 21 stitches removed yesterday and was given the all-clear to resume contact training.

"If the doc would've let me play this week, I would've played," Luck said. "I am not too happy, but I do what he says and sit at home.

"I will stay and train with Ruben [Wiki] and then I'm not a very good watcher, but I will lock myself in the lounge room and watch. I'll go through some emotions."

All that remains now for Luck to prove himself fit for round one of finals football – and mostly to himself – is to be smashed by one of his own forwards.

"It's one of the last things: on Wednesday next week, I will get Russell [Packer] or Simon [Mannering] to hit me. You have to do it to be right in your own head."

- © Fairfax NZ News

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