Ben Jones-Bishop is on course to make his return from injury on schedule, and hopes to be making his debut for new club Salford Red Devils as early as February.
The 26-year-old, who has signed a three-year deal with the Red Devils, suffered a premature end to his time at Leeds when an anterior cruciate ligament injury ruled him out for the remainder of the 2014 season.
And, while he is playing it safe with his rehabilitation, a return around the beginning of the season is still his aim – with February the intended target.
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He said: “It’s progressing well; I’m about eight weeks into rehab and, although it’s a bit of a slow process with playing it safe, it’s a case of so far, so good.
“It’ll be sometime in February when I’m back, but aside from that I’m not really too sure exactly when it will be that I get to make my debut. I’m in a transitional period now because I’m moving over from the Leeds physios to the Salford physios. I’ll start at Salford in a few weeks and hopefully I can crack on with the recovery.”
The 26-year-old revealed the prospect of playing alongside the likes of Michael Dobson and Kevin Locke was a major reason in him committing to the Red Devils for the next three seasons.
“I’m just itching to get playing again, and I’m excited about the fresh challenge and the new start that I’ll be getting at Salford.
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“One of the reasons I signed for Salford was because I’d be playing with quality players, and people like Kevin and Michael certainly fit that criteria. I’ve played with Rangi (Chase) a little bit in England camps too, and to be a part of this squad will hopefully be very special.”
He added: “You don’t want to leave your hometown club with an injury, and it wasn’t the best way to end things (at Leeds). But you play the cards you’re dealt, and I’ve got to look forward to a new chapter with Salford.
“All I want is to be playing as much as possible. At my age I think my best few years are just in front of me, and I really don’t see myself as a squad player who is happy to play a bit-part role. With a good pre-season I think we’ll be ready to go at Salford in 2015.”
