While it has been a disrupted season so far for Julia Robinson, the star winger was able to celebrate her return from a hamstring injury last weekend with a try as the Broncos secured a big win against the Raiders to keep them in touch with the top four.
“I was a bit dusty at the beginning, like I forgot how to play footy, but it was awesome, it's always awesome to score a try and I'm very proud of all the girls," Robinson said.
"We definitely went out there and did what we wanted to do and I am very happy to be back.”
The tear, which occurred in the Round 1 loss against the Roosters, was the second time her hamstring has caused her to spend time on the sidelines this year, having torn it previously when playing for Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the BMD Premiership grand final in May.
“It was definitely harder this time, because this is the second time occurring," Robinson said.
"I tore my hammy before the first Origin this year, the same place I tore it in the Roosters game.
“So we definitely had to make sure that we get it right this time, because obviously, I want to keep on playing ... injuries can be a bit annoying, but you just have to trust the process and you'll get back out there.
Robinson sure can finish
“(But) I actually like the rehab process, even though it sucks not being out there with the girls and you see them training on the field and you're just in your little corner doing your rehab drills, I feel like with the rehab process, you're just so focused on getting back.
"You have got your steps and you just know you want to do everything right, so you all your focus is preparation. So I actually love the rehab process because I feel like all I want to do is get back bigger and better.”
The Queensland Maroons and Australian Jillaroos representative worked hard on her rehab and was able to fit in additional sessions at the club with the NRL team's physio Lindsay Self, with Robinson saying the extra sessions on top of those done with NRLW team physio Carly Jennar helped get her back on the field ahead of schedule.
“I was very fortunate to be able to work with Lindsay, the men's physio, he's an awesome physio and he obviously knows what he's doing to try and get me back on the field as quick as possible, same as Carly," Robinson said.
“It was more convenient having Lindsay (help me as well) because I live so close, CJ is based down on the Gold Coast.
“I was very lucky to be able to go in there to the club and have him use his own time to look at me when he's so busy with the boys as well, so I'm very grateful for him and the whole team with the Broncos men's facility.
“Obviously, the more treatment, the more hands on, the quicker I can get back out there.”
This week, the Broncos head up to Queensland Country Bank Stadium to face the Sharks as part of an NRLW double header, with Robinson keen to play at another ‘home’ ground.
A member of the Australian Defence Force, Robinson was stationed in Townsville for work, but missed her opportunity to play there earlier this year when a record 18,275 people turned up to watch the second match of the State of Origin series.
"I haven't played up in Townsville before ... I was suspended for the second Origin game, so I missed my opportunity to play there," Robinson said.
"But being up in Townsville for a year for work, I feel like Townsville is like a second home for me, so I am really excited to go up and play there."
The Broncos and Sharks will be the first game of the day on Saturday, with the Cowboys hosting St George Illawarra in the afternoon’s second match.
“We can't take any team lightly, it’s such a strong competition this year,” Robinson said of the match-up with Cronulla.
“We just have to keep going there thinking that we're playing grand final; every game is do-or-die.”
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