My first season with Oxford RL was literally a roller coaster of emotions from start to finish. Leaving university, a steady job, and my family and loved ones was a difficult decision to make, but the chance to play rugby league at such a high level was just too good to pass up. Little did I know what I was in for. Preseason started with a bang, and as a newbie to the professional set up, was a serious shock to my system. A gruelling 8 weeks of gym and pitch sessions resulted in me dropping a hefty 6kg in weight, and kept me in the best shape of my life. Sadly my hard work was soon spoiled in the first preseason game where I tore a tendon in my knee, which sidelined me for 6 weeks.
For the next 6 weeks I was unable to run or participate in any team sessions which were irritating to say the least. However hard work in the gym with the physio got me back in time for a friendly game against the RAF, which was the perfect opportunity to make the coaches sit up and take notice. The following week I was selected in the match day 18 man squad for the trip to Oldham Roughyeds, my first taste of the match day experience which was very exciting. Having said that, my first taste of action would not come to the following week against Hemel Stags at Oxfords prestigious Iffley Road ground.
Having broken into the squad, I would sadly not stay there on a permanent basis as I spent the next 6 games dropping in and out of the squad, which as a player is a difficult situation to be in, when you feel you aren’t doing anything wrong. I was determined not to let this get me down and continued to work hard in training and try to develop my game as much as I could. The turning point in my season came when several injuries in the squad resulted in my first start of the season, which was as big a surprise to me as everyone else. But TB (Oxford Head Coach) took me aside and assured me that he had faith in me, and this was my opportunity to seal my place in team.
The next 3 games would prove to be my best of the year, as I finally started to look like a rugby league player on the pitch, picking up a couple of tries on the way to the playoffs where we narrowly lost to Hemel Stags. But on the whole, I have thoroughly enjoyed my first season playing professional rugby league, and look forward to progressing more again next season.
Yours in Sport
Kenny
