Sharpie Aiming for a Round One Return After Shoulder Surgery
Emirates Western Force captain Nathan Sharpe is hoping to be fit for the blockbuster Investec Super 14 2010 season-opener against the Brumbies after undergoing surgery on his shoulder earlier this week.
Initial reports suggested Sharpe may have needed a full reconstruction, but the 79-Test Wallaby avoided that result after the shoulder was found to be in better condition than first thought.
Emirates Western Force Doctor Mark De Cruz said Sharpe would not be too far away from contact work.
"Fortunately, the damage to Nathan’s shoulder wasn’t as severe as expected, so it did not require a full reconstruction,” De Cruz said.
"With physiotherapy and a careful rehabilitation program, we hope Nathan will be available for round one of the 2010 season.”
Sharpe said that while the lay-off was far from ideal, it was better than the alternative.
"I was concerned that I might have needed the reconstruction, so it’s obviously a relief to avoid that situation,” Sharpe said.
"I will have plenty of hard work to do in my rehab program, but since it will be my first pre-season training with the club I am ready to get stuck in, and I am actually excited about it.
"We have a terrific medical and physio team here in WA who will help me get back on the track.
"No question I’d rather be on tour playing with the Wallabies, but that wasn’t to be. I’m aiming up and hoping to be ready for the Brumbies on 12 February.”
The Emirates Western Force begin pre-season training on Monday 19 October.
