Forgotten ACT Brumbies hooker Siliva Siliva was so down after an injury nightmare he says he had to learn how to play rugby again and feared his problematic knees would prematurely end his career.
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But Siliva is using Canberra's first grade competition to take baby steps and resurrect his Super Rugby career.
Siliva will play just his second game in nine months when Royals take on Gungahlin Eagles at Phillip Oval on Saturday.
He'll be playing without the posterior cruciate ligament in his knee, medical staff deciding to remove the artificial ligament he had attached almost four years ago.
Since joining the Brumbies in 2012, Siliva has played just 16 Super Rugby games.
"I almost forgot how to play," Siliva said. "I don't think there's an injury I haven't done, I feel like they've just kept coming. But I'm feeling good now, I don't want to jinx it.
"I had to learn basic stuff again, even passing. I didn't touch a ball for about nine months, I almost forgot but it's all good now and it's coming back. I can see light at the end to carry on."
The 23-year-old will join the Melbourne Rebels at the end of the season. Before he leaves Canberra, he wants to repay the Brumbies after four seasons plagued by injury.
The Melbourne junior's left knee has troubled him since 2012. He damaged ligaments in his ankle last year, then his comeback was hampered by hamstring problems.
"It will be a new beginning next year, I haven't had a great start to my Super Rugby career with all my injuries and rehab," Siliva said.
"You wouldn't think that anyone would want to pick me up, I'm grateful for the opportunity with the Rebels.
Royals will be aiming to keep Gungahlin winless to start the John I Dent Cup season.
They are also trying to stay in touch with the top four on the ladder before the gap becomes too big to chase down.
The Queanbeyan Whites have blown the premiership race wide open after beating four-time defending champions the Tuggeranong Vikings last weekend.
JOHN I DENT CUP ROUND FOUR
Saturday: Queanbeyan Whites v Easts at Campese Field, Royals v Gungahlin Eagles at Phillip Oval, Uni-Norths Owls v Wests at ANU North. All games at 3.05pm. Tuggeranong Vikings - bye.
