A host of Saints have returned to full training as the team completes its first week on the track for 2023.

With under 70 days until Round 1, Josh Battle (ankle), Jack Billings (back), Jade Gresham (knee), Jack Hayes (ACL), Dan McKenzie (calf) and Oscar Adams (back) have been welcome additions to the main group.

Performance, Medical and Operations Manager David Misson said the group had worked hard in their respective rehabilitation programs.

“This time of year, it’s not unusual to have players on all sorts of individual programs as we manage loads and requirements in the lead-up to more match focused training,” Misson said.

“While their injuries have been varied, they’ve all made strong progress over the break.

“We’re in the fortunate position to have the majority of our rehab group returning to full training this month, while a large portion of the others are tracking well as we look ahead to the pre-season competition and Round 1.”

Misson provided an update on the rest of the Saints’ injury room:

On track

Nick Coffield (ACL/hamstring), Tom Campbell (Achilles) and Zak Jones (calf) are all progressing well, with slight niggles over the holiday break delaying their return to full training.

Isaac Keeler will also have a slightly delayed resumption of his 2023 training program as he rehabilitates a tendon strain in his knee.

“Nick had been progressing really well in his ACL recovery before a hamstring strain towards the end of the year required surgery. This has only set him back a few weeks, and we expect him to be available for the pre-season games,” Misson said.

“Similarly, Tom Campbell aggravated his Achilles just before Christmas and given his age and the delicate nature of Achilles injuries, we’re taking a considered approach to his training, with an eye on the pre-season games.

“Isaac suffered an injury to his knee in one of the last sessions of the year, which was later confirmed to be a torn tendon. He is progressing well in his recovery and is scheduled to resume running in the coming weeks with the goal of full availability come Round 1.”

Longer term

Max King is progressing steadily following surgery on his shoulder in mid-December. While the exact timeframe for his return to play remains uncertain, King is set to hit key milestones over the coming months.

Meanwhile, draftee Olli Hotton is set for an extended period on the sidelines after developing a stress fracture in his back.

“This injury is a really disappointing blow for Olli who, like any draftee, was keen to get stuck into his program,” Misson said.

“The recovery for this type of injury requires a period of rest before incremental load increases, which while frustrating, should mean that this issue does not reoccur. In the meantime, unfortunately it is likely that Olli will miss the majority of the first half of the season while he recovers.”