LUKE O’DONNELL’S impact in 2013 won’t be hampered by missing another pre-season with the Huddersfield Giants.
That’s the prediction being made by coach Paul Anderson in the week former Australia Test back-rower O’Donnell underwent a shoulder reconstruction.
The surgery means the 31-year-old won’t be back on the training field until Christmas.
O’Donnell also missed the last pre-season after undergoing major knee surgery.
But Anderson isn’t too concerned that one of his most experienced performers won’t be around for the bulk of training ahead of Super League XVIII.
“The off-season isn’t that important for someone like Luke O’D, to be fair,” said Anderson.
“He can get his fitness out on the field, and we’re all more than happy with that. The important thing for Luke is to get the surgery done now, so he’ll be ready to go for the start of next season.
“We all know how much of a positive impact Luke can make when he’s fully fit, and hopefully we’ll see the very best of him when next season gets under way.
“If that’s the case then we know he’ll have a huge impact on what we’ll be striving to achieve.
