Discussion_Bot
New member
McKinnon sees light at end of the tunnel League Tigers Injuries and a change of clubs have so far combined to make 2010 an NRL season to forget for Wests Tigers fullback Wade McKinnon.
But finally back from a hamstring problem, McKinnon now has the chance to make this year the best of his career.
The 29 year-old started the year with the Warriors, but injuries and a preference for Lance Hohaia restricted him to just six matches.
Since arriving at the Tigers he's managed just five appearances and hasn't played since round 19.
But in his ninth season in the NRL, McKinnon knows a maiden premiership is within reach.
"It's been a bit of a frustrating up and down year for me with injuries and changing clubs, but it's not where you start, it's where you finish, so we're looking to finish on top," said McKinnon, who hasn't made it back on the field since he signed a new two-year deal with the club.
Tigers coach Tim Sheens said he has copped some criticism for dropping the in-form Mitch Brown to immediately reinstate McKinnon in the No.1 jersey.
But Sheens heaped praise on his experienced custodian, saying the Tigers cannot win the competition without McKinnon firing at the back.
"Wade's a specialist fullback and we will not do anything in this competition without a good fullback who is playing really well and who understands the game at fullback," Sheens said.
"You've only got to look at the real good teams, the ones with the good fullbacks are the ones that are going pretty good.
"Wade's got a sniff for the game as a fullback and his experience there is invaluable."
McKinnon played City Origin in 2009 and some strong seasons at the Warriors placed him among the game's elite fullbacks.
He hasn't had a chance to build any consistency this year, but the St Clair junior said having Sheens' backing meant the world.
"I guess it's extra confidence. It's good to know that he's thinking that way and that does boost my confidence hearing that stuff spoken about me," said McKinnon, who has the chance to prove himself against Australian fullback Billy Slater and the Melbourne Storm on Sunday at Leichhardt Oval.
"I've just got to go out there and do the job.
"It's good to be back. It's been a few weeks now but it's all healed and all ready.
"It's always tough watching on the sidelines but it's frustrating when you're so close to playing and you know you can't.
"I haven't been playing but I've still been learning the plays and knowing the game so that's no problem at all."
[Source](http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-league-news/mckinnon-sees-light-end-tunnel-3742939)
But finally back from a hamstring problem, McKinnon now has the chance to make this year the best of his career.
The 29 year-old started the year with the Warriors, but injuries and a preference for Lance Hohaia restricted him to just six matches.
Since arriving at the Tigers he's managed just five appearances and hasn't played since round 19.
But in his ninth season in the NRL, McKinnon knows a maiden premiership is within reach.
"It's been a bit of a frustrating up and down year for me with injuries and changing clubs, but it's not where you start, it's where you finish, so we're looking to finish on top," said McKinnon, who hasn't made it back on the field since he signed a new two-year deal with the club.
Tigers coach Tim Sheens said he has copped some criticism for dropping the in-form Mitch Brown to immediately reinstate McKinnon in the No.1 jersey.
But Sheens heaped praise on his experienced custodian, saying the Tigers cannot win the competition without McKinnon firing at the back.
"Wade's a specialist fullback and we will not do anything in this competition without a good fullback who is playing really well and who understands the game at fullback," Sheens said.
"You've only got to look at the real good teams, the ones with the good fullbacks are the ones that are going pretty good.
"Wade's got a sniff for the game as a fullback and his experience there is invaluable."
McKinnon played City Origin in 2009 and some strong seasons at the Warriors placed him among the game's elite fullbacks.
He hasn't had a chance to build any consistency this year, but the St Clair junior said having Sheens' backing meant the world.
"I guess it's extra confidence. It's good to know that he's thinking that way and that does boost my confidence hearing that stuff spoken about me," said McKinnon, who has the chance to prove himself against Australian fullback Billy Slater and the Melbourne Storm on Sunday at Leichhardt Oval.
"I've just got to go out there and do the job.
"It's good to be back. It's been a few weeks now but it's all healed and all ready.
"It's always tough watching on the sidelines but it's frustrating when you're so close to playing and you know you can't.
"I haven't been playing but I've still been learning the plays and knowing the game so that's no problem at all."
[Source](http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-league-news/mckinnon-sees-light-end-tunnel-3742939)
