JESSE DEE has been champing at the bit to return to competitive action for York Knights – but admits his eight-week lay-off has left him feeling much fitter physically.
The popular Australian sustained two head knocks in quick succession, triggering a mandatory eight-week lay-off that had prevented him from taking to the field since May’s home defeat to Castleford Tigers.
York lost four and won three of the seven matches in which Dee has been stood down.
And the second-rower or centre, who returned for Saturday’s 30-22 defeat at Toulouse Olympique, admits it has at times been hard to watch from the sidelines.
“It’s been so frustrating,” said the 31-year-old, now in his fourth season with the Knights.
“Especially when the boys were losing, because I felt like I could be out there making a difference.
“It’s a lot easier to watch when you’re winning because you’re happy for the boys, but when we were going on that spell (of losing matches), it was hard to watch.”
With the head injury protocols ruling Dee out of contact training, he has focused on improving his fitness and was feeling in great shape ahead of his return.
“I’m feeling really good, actually,” he explained.
“It’s been a good eight-week block.
“It’s just been getting fit really, because I haven’t had any symptoms.
“I’ve been doing pretty much everything, just in a red bib, so no contact.
“I’ve been doing a lot of running and I’m feeling a lot fitter now, so it’s been good.”
Dee was the Knights’ standout against Toulouse, with Applegarth adding: “He’s a massive player for us.
“The beauty of Jesse with how he plays is obviously he’s a ball-handling back-rower that suits loose forward as well.”