Collingwood’s Jeremy Howe has turned to an unlikely source in his race to be fit for next week’s preliminary final – Melbourne Storm playmaker Cameron Munster.
The Magpies defender has been battling a recurring groin injury, one that forced him out of the Round 24 clash against Melbourne.
But after weeks of rehabilitation, the 35-year-old says he’s on track to return, thanks in part to advice from the NRL superstar.
‘A couple of hidden talents’
Speaking on Sunrise, Howe revealed he reached out to Munster, who himself overcame a similar setback in rapid time. “Any time you cop an injury, you’re always looking for resources or experiences, and he was fortunate enough to get back (from a similar injury) in a four-week period,” Howe said.
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“(I) reached out, and he gave me a couple of hidden talents to help get me through, and I feel like I’ve had good up-tick.”
Howe added that everything in his preparation is “trending really well”, with a crucial training session to come before the Magpies’ penultimate clash.
Meanwhile, 2023 Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill is also pushing for a return after missing significant time due to personal matters. Howe said his teammates are eager to welcome him back.
“The players are always happy to get him back in the environment; we feel like that’s a really good place for him to be … it looks like he’s up and about and he’s smiling, so we’ll wait and see,” Howe said.
Collingwood are now weighing up their best line-up for the preliminary final, with Munster’s input proving an unlikely boost in their premiership quest.