KEAL CARLILE has not ruled out making a return to Giants action before the end of this season.
But the 21-year-old hooker has admitted he doesn’t intend to rush back.
Carlile underwent heart surgery six weeks ago to solve a bout of serious fatigue, which was obviously preventing him from continuing his career as a professional sportsman.
The operation has been hailed a great success, with Carlile expected to make a full recovery.
After making a tryscoring start to Super League XVI as the Giants beat Warrington on the opening day of the new season in Cardiff, Carlile could have been tempted to try and get back on the field as quickly as possible.
But the former Bradford Bulls No9 has made it clear he is taking one day at a time, and is prepared to play a waiting game.
“There is a slight chance I could be fit before the end of the season, but I’m not thinking like that at this stage,” said Carlile, pictured.
“I’m feeling really well at the moment, and I’ve been told the surgery went as well as anyone could have hoped.
“But I’ve deliberately not thought about when I’ll be back.
“I’m just taking one day at a time and making sure I give myself the best chance to get myself right as quickly as possible. Rushing things isn’t the way to go.
“At this stage, I just know I’m progressing as well as I could have hoped, if not better.
“All the medical staff are delighted with the way I’m recovering from the surgery, with my age and fitness proving pretty important.
“It’s not that long ago that I was walking for just five minutes, but now it’s up to 45. I suppose if I keep this improvement up, anything is possible.
“But just getting myself right is all I’m thinking about right now.”
KEAL CARLILE is on the road to recovery and ready to cheer the Giants to Super League victory at Bradford Bulls on Sunday!
The 21-year-old hooker underwent major heart surgery six weeks ago after suffering bouts of serious fatigue at the start of the season.
His operation has been hailed a great success, with Carlile beginning an intensive rehabilitation programme at the club on Friday.
It will be the first time he’ll have been back with his teammates since going under the knife.
And he admits he can’t wait to meet up with them again and then take in his first game since the surgery this weekend.
“It’s a great feeling to know I’ll soon be back with the boys,” said Carlile, who first realised he had a problem when he was forced off the field early in the second game of the Super League XVI season at Castleford after losing all his energy.
“I’ve been feeling really bored over the past few weeks, so this Friday can’t come soon enough.
“I know I’m going to be facing a tough couple of months on the rehab front, but right now that doesn’t bother me in the least.
“The heart surgeon is pleased with the way the operation went and I feel well on the road to recovery already.
“I’m now able to walk for about 45 minutes each day – which is as good as anyone could have hoped at this stage – and I’ll build up the workload on a daily basis.
“And I also know going to the game on Sunday will do me a power of good.
“Although I’ve obviously been keeping up with how the boys have been doing, there’s nothing to beat going to the games themselves.
“I also expect us to get the win to keep us third, too.”
