Cronulla forward Toby Rudolf has opened up on his frustrating start to the season as he commences another stint on the sidelines.
The prop is set to miss the next four weeks after picking up a knee injury in last week’s victory over the St Goerge Illawarra Dragons and will watch this week’s top-of-the-table showdown with the Melbourne Storm from the sidelines.
Rudolf injured his ankle in round three and has already sat out three games this season in a campaign that has challenged him both mentally and physically.
“Every time I get a run of games going, I seem to get injured again,” Rudolf told NRL.com. “I’m hoping it’s not one of those years but at the moment it has been.
“Luckily we’ve got blokes like Tom Hazelton now, I think that starting spot’s officially his. He’s been killing it all year. It’s so good to see someone like him and Oregon Kaufusi step up to the plate.
“Along with Cam McInnes, I’ve got all the faith in the world in them. If I can become an impact player on the bench, as long as we’re winning games and I’m part of it, that’s all I care about.”
Rudolf spent months on the sidelines last year with turf toe and overhauled his lifestyle in the pre-season in an effort to prevent a repeat in 2024.
The 28-year-old has stopped drinking, placed a greater focus on health and recovery and even consulted the head physio at the Australian Ballet for advice on preventing injuries.
The added dedication to ensuring he remains on the field has only made Rudolf more frustrated as he ponders what else he can do to enjoy a clean run of health.
“This year I’ve tried my best to do everything I can and it’s bitten me in the arse,” he said. “In years gone by, I’m drinking, having a good time, not stretching, doing zero rehab. This year I’ve done a full 180 but I can’t seem to stay on the field, I’m not sure there’s more I can do.
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