James Gavet admits he felts the nerves prior to making his debut appearance in a Wests Tigers jersey at Campbelltown Sports Stadium last Saturday.
Playing his first rugby league game in almost 10 months, Gavet said the nerves were very rare and was due to him finally overcoming a foot injury suffered in a 'freakish accident' at home in January.
Gavet made his Wests Tigers debut midway through the first half in the win over Mounties.
"It got past the point of itchy feet. I was totally hanging out for my return as you get sick of people asking you when you are you back,'' Gavet said.
"I was so excited. It was great to finally get to play with a lot of the boys I train with.
"It was a good blow out. I gave it my all. Hopefully my next game won't be as hard on my body but I've pulled up well.
"I think I need another week or two to get my match fitness up. Andrew Leeds is a hard trainer. I need to get a few more kilometres under my belt but if I get the call up from Mick Potter, I will be ready to play NRL again.
"It is finally good to be playing for Wests Tigers."
For Gavet, Campbelltown also provided a nice change of scenery after six months of hard rehab work at Concord Oval.
"The mental side of it is very tough. It is hard especially when you see a lot of boys coming in and out of rehab and you know you are going to be there for a while,'' Gavet said.
"Whether you are on the field or in the rehab squad, you always have to play your part in the team and support the boys. It does take its toll and there is a bit of a 'GroundHog Day' feel to it at times but you support each other.
"In rehab, Eddy Pettybourne was always smiling and Adam Blair has the same foot surgery and he walked me through the rehab process. He was a great support.
"Keith Galloway was always there for me too. He has played Origin so he can't say or do no wrong."
Playing his first rugby league game in almost 10 months, Gavet said the nerves were very rare and was due to him finally overcoming a foot injury suffered in a 'freakish accident' at home in January.
Gavet made his Wests Tigers debut midway through the first half in the win over Mounties.
"It got past the point of itchy feet. I was totally hanging out for my return as you get sick of people asking you when you are you back,'' Gavet said.
"I was so excited. It was great to finally get to play with a lot of the boys I train with.
"It was a good blow out. I gave it my all. Hopefully my next game won't be as hard on my body but I've pulled up well.
"I think I need another week or two to get my match fitness up. Andrew Leeds is a hard trainer. I need to get a few more kilometres under my belt but if I get the call up from Mick Potter, I will be ready to play NRL again.
"It is finally good to be playing for Wests Tigers."
For Gavet, Campbelltown also provided a nice change of scenery after six months of hard rehab work at Concord Oval.
"The mental side of it is very tough. It is hard especially when you see a lot of boys coming in and out of rehab and you know you are going to be there for a while,'' Gavet said.
"Whether you are on the field or in the rehab squad, you always have to play your part in the team and support the boys. It does take its toll and there is a bit of a 'GroundHog Day' feel to it at times but you support each other.
"In rehab, Eddy Pettybourne was always smiling and Adam Blair has the same foot surgery and he walked me through the rehab process. He was a great support.
"Keith Galloway was always there for me too. He has played Origin so he can't say or do no wrong."
