Soul-destroying time out has left Hull FC's Liam Watts lean and mean
WITH the muffled sound of his team-mates running drills on the training field, Liam Watts reaches for the dial on the treadmill.
Speeding up, Watts refocuses and channels his frustration to his advantage. It's January 2013, and while Hull FC are preparing for the start of the new season, Watts is cutting a lonely figure in the gym.
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Hull FC's Liam Watts
A repeat of the thumb injury sustained in the final game of last season has meant another operation and a three-month rehabilitation.
"It really has been soul destroying training on my own," admits Watts, now three months later and with his first game of the season under his belt.
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"With the lads not playing as well as they wanted to as well, that gave me even more determination to get back stronger and that helped me, but it was really hard training on my own.
"I did the injury at the back end of last year and it wasn't too bad because it was the last game of the season so I thought it would heal and then I'd be able to get stuck into pre-season.
"But then I did it again and I've been training now for six months without being able to play a game. Because it was pre-season we've not really had any injuries until Gareth Ellis got injured, so I was on my own. It got on my nerves."
Since those lonely days in January Watts has had this weekend's game at Huddersfield in his mind. An initial target for his return, the 22-year-old's hard work meant a first appearance at home to his former club Castleford, a week ahead of schedule.
It was no surprise to anyone at the club Watts was back in action earlier than originally expected. Rather than dwell in self pity at his predicament, Watts utilised his time out to re-shape his physique. And the results are striking.
"I had a chat with Paul Devlin our conditioner at the start of the year about stripping down as much as I could but still being physical and big," says Watts, who now looks fitter than at any stage in his career.
"At the end of last season I was over 17 stone and now I am 16 stone exactly, so I've dropped a lot. Fitness-wise, I am up there now and it is something I have worked a lot on."
Eager to be slighter yet retain the sort of punch that helped him make an impact when he burst on the Super League scene at Hull KR, Watts is confident his new fitness will bring new rewards.
"Last year I was playing in short bursts," he adds. "I did that last weekend on my comeback, playing 15 minutes on then 15 minutes off. I don't think that will be the case this weekend because of injuries, but I'm ready now to play more minutes.
"I don't mind playing more minutes, but I don't want to be playing 25 minutes at a time if only 15 minutes of them are good minutes.
"I don't want to be putting pressure on the team by missing tackles, so I'm ready to play longer, but only if I am benefiting the team."
The need for Watts to play more minutes will be amplified this evening with Hull nursing a number of injuries, while Danny Tickle will sit out a one-match ban for fighting.
Against a team aptly named Giants, Watts' return to the Black and Whites' line-up has brought strength and size to a Hull pack that has missed his presence.
The performance of Watts and his fellow forwards will be pivotal to tonight's result at the John Smith's Stadium and the prop knows it.
A return to winning ways against the Tigers has injected fresh confidence into a team that was shell- shocked a week earlier at Widnes.
Under the glare of the television cameras the onus is on Hull to now back that performance up. Having disappointed three times already on television this season, Watts knows it is about time Hull showed the general public they are a better team than they've demonstrated so far.
"We've had three TV games and three defeats and it's something the players are aware of," adds Watts.
"It is a big thing for us and we mentioned it at training this week during one of our team talks. Every time we've been on Sky we have been hammered and it going to have to be a big week for us to stop that stat."
13 Comments
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by biltonkev
Saturday, March 16 2013, 7:37PM
“benny - did watts play tonight?
whats that played 7 and won 2.
top four club eh? too funny.”
by Frorest_2813
Saturday, March 16 2013, 3:55PM
“BennyStol
You are leaving it a bit late to get to Huddersfield”
by BennyStol
Saturday, March 16 2013, 3:33PM
“Watts is a great player but he wanted to leave rovers for a big club and you cant interfere with a players ambition.”
by TurkishSabre
Saturday, March 16 2013, 12:25PM
“Hope it is a good game tonight, looking forward to it, kevsguitar as you are alluding to a bit of gossip, a few rumours filtering through regarding Hock & Tomkins, femme fatale! Will be interesting when the pies play the chemics.”
by kevsguitar
Saturday, March 16 2013, 11:40AM
“Sebasteeno - Rovers let him go because he was massive trouble and no other reason. Does a leopard change his spots? We will see.Westerman has been a waste of money for FC and to put you right about Danny Brough .............. Danny never goes missing. Granted, he has off games, but he is always in the thick of it!
And that is why Sharpe got rid- it's well known around town that Danny told him where to go and Sharpe spit his dummy out. Unfortunately, FC have been paying the price ever since. Putting it in to context though - I found it very strange that when Danny's name was put around super league in the close season, there wasn't any takers - which might indicate something? Only summising on that one though!
Of the game .... Paul Cooke reckons Danny is the catalyst for the Giants, but what he didn't mention is the Giants have won every game with a massive possession advantage. The only game they did lose, they lost the possession battle. So is Danny Brough the reason the Giants get possession? I don't think so. Possession is key against the Giants and NOT Danny Brough!”
by Sterlo7
Saturday, March 16 2013, 11:19AM
“Liam is a talented player and FC always look better in the pack with his presence. I think Neil Hudgnell knew of his potential but with Liams problems outside the club Niels hands were tied while he was trying to create greater attitude from players to take his club forward, so that was maybe a brave decision from Neil to move him on.
I was always a fan of Liam when he was at Hull KR, and i am as pleased as punch that he is at my club.
Keep it up Liam.”
by Sterlo7
Saturday, March 16 2013, 11:10AM
“Liam is a talented player and certainly gives FC greater presence when he plays, I think Neil Hudgnell let him go purely because Liam had a few problems outside the club but i still think Rovers found it hard to release him as they new he has got great potential.
Hands up to Neil, he stuck to his guns and decided to release as he wanted his club to have players with the right attitude.
I always rated him when he was at HKR and i was pleased as punch when FC signed him, so far so good.
Keep it up Liam.”
by GEvans76
Saturday, March 16 2013, 10:46AM
“Very good player.
We are a better side when he play's.”
by hullfc1952
Saturday, March 16 2013, 9:58AM
“Rovers let him go because they couldnt see the massive potential he has shown at Hull FC. A great influence on his team mates and now one of the most hard working and commited players at Hull FC - thanks dobbins!”
by hullfc1952
Saturday, March 16 2013, 9:58AM
“Rovers let him go because they couldnt see the massive potential he has shown at Hull FC. A great influence on his team mates and now one of the most hard working and commited players at Hull FC - thanks dobbins!”