Wade McKinnon is the one
August 5th 2008 09:19
McKinnon makes his long awaited return for the Warriors this weekend
This is the shout the New Zealand Warriors have been waiting for.
As they look to keep their heads up after a shock loss to the Rabbitohs, star fullback Wade McKinnon has spread his wings after eight months on the sideline and can finally fly out this weekend against the Brisbane Broncos.
Season 2008 has not been easy on the Warriors. They have been made to fight many battles this year and currently find themselves on 12th position in the NRL ladder.
While their feet still walk, the Warriors are yet to pass the longest yard in a season where they were expected to at least make the top eight.
But for one player in particular, the road back to life on a footy pitch has raised almighty belief for a side still capable of featuring in the NRL finals.
McKinnon does not have to speak for his talents to be recognised. You only have to look back to season 2007 and listen to the Warriors faithful cheering on a man who locked down some of the NRL’s best moments last year.
One of those was an individual try against the Panthers at Mt Smart. He alone beat about five body's, including speedster Michael Jennings, to score a four-pointer that would put everyone of his opponents on guard for the rest of history.
It was an effort that was later crowned the best try in season 2007 by NRL.com
In the centenary year of Rugby League, McKinnon's form was about to rise to a new level of excellence. Pound for pound, he is one of the strongest players in the NRL, not to mention he was the best support player back in 2007.
His move to the Warriors coincided in a transformation that saw McKinnon head upstairs very quickly.
His form coincided with the Warriors experiencing a stellar season in 2007 ,with the New Zealand side finishing in the top four.
Although their premiership campaign ended abruptly at the hands of the Cowboys, the Warriors were specialties for season 2008.
That was until Mckinnon got injured in the pre-season.
After experiencing a year full of brilliance and excitement, the Warriors fullback had to fight a new battle. One that he himself was not expecting.
The 27 year old had to undergo a knee reconstruction after injuring himself in a trial match against the Newcastle Knights.
It was an injury that put Mckinnon in a cell of disappointment and grief. Every hour of each day saw the Warriors footballer wind down the clock and clear the cobwebs of uncertainty that comes with every setback.
As he marked off the calendar days, McKinnon's doubt was slowly making way.
Eager to get a peace of the action, McKinnon's time on the sideline has finally ceased.
He has closed the door on a tough chapter of an NRL career bound to greet deserved success.
Eight months at the deep end of a football career is now bound to unleash McKinnon. Not even barbed wire fences can stop this footballer from shining light on his 100th first grade game.
It is a pleasure to once again behold the sight of seeing one of the NRL's finest custodians back in full flight.
With McKinnon's presence at the back, the Warriors can start believing once again.
One player's rehabilitation could be the spark that sets New Zealand's soul alight in the last five rounds of the competition.
Because with McKinnon back in the fold, better days lie ahead.
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