Musgrove ready to return against Newcastle

Damaging prop Zane Musgrove is ready to be unleashed when he returns to action for the first time this season when Wests Tigers face Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Maori representative missed the opening two rounds of the season after copping a two-game suspension for a shoulder charge in the All Stars game.

After serving his suspension, Musgrove is eager to go this weekend as Wests Tigers look for their first win of the season.

“I’m eager and ready to get out there because I was pretty disappointed to miss the opening two rounds,” Musgrove said.

“I feel like I owe it to the team. I trained hard in pre-season and I felt like I let the boys down.”

Musgrove admits it was hard watching on from the sidelines and not being able to help his teammates as they struggled against the Raiders and Roosters.

“I tried to try to prepare the boys as best as I could, but it hurt not being out there. I felt helpless because the boys were doing the tough yards,” he said.

“I feel confident and ready to go. I’m focussed on my job and I’m ready to play my part for the team.”

Wests Tigers skipper James Tamou is looking forward to playing alongside Musgrove in the middle for the first time on Sunday.

Tamou has liked what he’s seen from his fellow middle forward at training and can’t wait to see him out on the field against the Knights.

“He’s been seething through the teeth to get out there. He’s like a caged animal ready to go. He’s ready to be unleashed,” Tamou said.

“He’s ready to go and I can’t wait to play alongside him.

“He brings so much to this team — lots of aggression. In the middle, he connects us a bit more. Zane will bring that for us and I can’t wait to rip in with him.”