HI, it’s Luke here.

And I have to admit tomorrow’s home game against Hull KR can’t come around quick enough.

Obviously, we’d still hoped to have been involved in the Challenge Cup and not missed out on last weekend’s quarter-finals. Playing in the really big games is ultimately what it’s all about.

But there’s no doubt having some time off last week has done everyone a power of good.

It was the chance for the players to get away for a couple of days – the only notable and obvious exception was Jerry McGillvary who stayed at home because he didn’t want to part with any of his cash by arranging a trip away! – and there’s no doubt it’s freshened everybody up, both mentally and physically.

There was a spring in the step of the boys when we checked back into training at the start of this week, even though we knew we’d be welcomed back by being flogged by the conditioning team.

To be honest, that’s the norm the first day back after a break, because that sort of physical session can’t really be done if you don’t look after yourself while you’re away. In other words, it does keep everyone on their toes while we’re away from the club.

And, personally, looking after myself last week was pretty important after the bashing I took during our win at Widnes the last time out.

I marked – literally! – this gutsiest of wins by taking another heavy blow to my head, although I really do only have myself to blame.

In the build-up to the incident, me and my good mate Kev Brown had been having a real good on-field spat. That may sound strange, but it’s weird how the closer your friendship with an opposition player is, the more you seem to get stuck-in to each other.

That was the case with me and Kev the other week, so when I was presented with the chance to give him some sore ribs during a tackle in the second half, I knew I had to go for it.

Unfortunately, as I launched myself towards my target, Jack Hughes’s ginger melon got in the way and I discovered his head didn’t suit mine!

Widnes Vikings' Jack Owens is tackled by Huddersfield Giants' Luke Robinson, Brett Ferres and Jacob Fairbank First Utility Super League Widnes v Huddersfield 21/06/15 (Pic by Dave Howarth)

As a result, I went on a bit of a trip to Disneyland and needed to have my forehead stitched up again.

That meant I took the family off for a short break last week looking more like Frankenstein’s monster than a rugby league career. I think that could be the end of my dreams of becoming a male model!

My looks have definitely suffered over the years by playing this sport, and I don’t think there’s any part of my head that hasn’t been cut open at some stage. I’ve certainly been stitched up around the ears, eyes, nose and mouth, which some would suggest is morphing me into Mr Potato Head!

But will this prevent me from continuing to get stuck-in in the future?

Not on your life! – particularly when the stakes ahead for the Giants continue to be so high.