The forgotten Huddersfield Giant: Simon Finnigan on way back

Jan 11 2010 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

“I’ve been given no real time frame, but all being well it’ll be around April or May, although I have been warned it could be longer.

“I saw the surgeon just before Christmas and he said the operations went as well as he could have hoped, and I’m due to see him again next month, when I hope he’ll tell me he doesn’t want to see me again.

“Before then it’s a case of starting a solid block of rehab work, and trying to build up my strength and fitness, which is obviously well down given the last few months I’ve endured.

“But hopefully it’ll start to pick up, particularly now I’ll finally be working with some of mates in the gym, which is something I’ve really missed.

“As well as missing the craic, your teammates are great at pushing you and encouraging you. You can’t underestimate what a great help they can be.

“In fact, it’s just great to get back in the car with the Lancashire-based lads and drive over M62 with them, even though the snow has been such a problem!

“I travel over with Martin Aspinwall, David Hodgson and Stephen Wild, and we have a great laugh together.

“On top of that, I’m also doing my rehab work with Wildy, who does seem to be recovering well from his knee injury.

“But whether you could say Wildy is good company is another matter!

“I suppose the good thing about being with Wildy, though, is that he always makes you feel better, because no-one has more to moan about than him.

“Personally, I get on great with him, even though I’ve never known anyone quite like him.

“There’s no doubt I’ve missed the banter, and as long as I keep working hard and not overdo things, it’ll soon be the banter back in the dressing room.

“That’s when I know all this pain and frustration will be well worthwhile.”