HERMAN ESE’ESE says the support of Hull FC legend Gareth Ellis was a “big help” in his recovery from a serious injury.
The giant New Zealand prop spent more than nine months on the sidelines following an Achilles rupture last August against Leeds Rhinos.
That put a sudden end to an impressive second season at the club in which Ese’ese was named in the Super League Dream Team.
He made his return off the bench at the start of this month against Warrington Wolves and has had subsequent substitute appearances against Huddersfield Giants and Wakefield Trinity.
Ese’ese recalled: “I went to tackle (Presley) Cassell, my right foot was already planted, I went to push off with a quick explosive movement and it felt like someone kicked me.
“I felt the back of my calf and there was little gap there – I knew straight away it was the Achilles.
“It was a tough pill to swallow. I tried to deny it but the scans confirmed it. It was a really sad moment because I came to the realisation I’d be out for a long time. (I asked) how am I going to cope with it?
“It was a really uncomfortable position be in because there was nothing I wanted to do more than playing. To be bedridden and watching the boys on TV, it was tough.
“But after the first two weeks post-op, I was really positive. I was focusing on my rehab. My mindset switched quickly from feeling sorry for myself to getting the job done and coming back stronger.”
Ese’ese took great strength from Hull director of rugby Ellis, who suffered the same injury during his playing career but returned to captain the club to Challenge Cup glory in each of the following two seasons.
“Gaz was a big help – he experienced this injury and came back stronger,” the 31-year-old said in a video on Hull’s YouTube channel.
“He did his Achilles in 2015, came back and played some of his best footy after it.”