It’s been a bit of a crazy off-season for me. I’ve been stalked by lousy weather which has followed me everywhere – from Thailand to the Gold Coast,  plus an unexpected arthroscope on my knee. I can report the arthroscope went well and I expect the club doc’, to give me the all clear to resume full contact this week.

The arthroscope was the result of me tearing the cartilage in my knee during training. I had torn some previously and after this tear I had to get it done.

Fortunately I will be lining up against the Dogs in round one, however I will be missing from trial action this weekend.

It’s not all bad though, as it means I get to head home to Robertson and take Archie, Buster and Bonnie to the Robbo show which is famous for its ‘Potato Race’. The Potato race is the event that stops the show in much the same way the Easter Show stops for the Wood chop Final.

The competitors carry a 50 kilogram sack of spuds on their back and make their way around a 400 metre course with the winner collecting a $1000 paycheck. I had a go at it once and was leading when with ten metres to go my left leg buckled underneath me and my chances were ruined.

Around 2000 people get through the gates every year and for a country show that’s not too bad.

The winner is usually a wiry looking farm guy who has unbelievable strength. I take my hat off to them it is hard work.

I also like going back home to Robertson because it gives Archie a chance to have fun riding bikes and playing with the cows. I think he is lucky in that respect. There aren’t too many kids who get to go and play on the family farm these days.

I watched our game against the Panthers last weekend and I thought both sides were pretty even. They had a few more experienced guys out there so they probably were within their rights to get the win.

Our young guys are really coming along well and I would expect Weller Hauraki to play a bit of first grade this year, as well as Matt Keating.

Weller in particular is a huge talent and he has also been the most improved over the off season.

Luke Burt is playing in the trial against the Roosters this weekend. He was moving at the camp in Kiama without any ill effects from his knee problems, so he could be set for another big year.

Injury will most likely keep Timmy Smith out for the first couple of rounds of the season proper as he rehabs his shoulder. It’s better for him to miss the first couple of weeks and get it right rather than risk injuring it again.

Hindy