Luke Brattan is looking excited when he speaks with Kick360 in the home Allianz Stadium dressing room that’s currently adorned with South Sydney Rabbitohs signage everywhere.
Coming off a horror ACL injury suffered in the Australia Cup back in 2021, it’s great to see him in his full kit preparing to get on the field again.
One of the league’s premier midfielders, Sky Blues fans will be hoping Brattan is able to rediscover his best form but we know it’s easier said than done after such a setback.
“It’s tough. It was hard to deal with,” Brattain explains.
“You’re rehabbing on your own, away from the boys. They’ll come in after training, laughing about what’s happened during the session and you’ve missed it.
“There were some days I just didn’t want to come back in.”
It’s been a long 10 months on the sidelines, that’s for sure. But now the focus is on earning back his spot in the side and helping Sydney in their bid to return to the top six after an unexpectedly poor 2021-22 campaign.
Sydney’s squad is bolstered by Robert Mak, Jack Rodwell and Joe Lolley for the new season. Alex Parsons and Spaniard Diego Caballo have also arrived in Moore Park.
“Obviously, last year was disappointing, personally and as a team,” he says.
“We had a few successful years before that. It was disappointing, and it was hard to take as well. It’s not up to the standard we set.
“(The new signings) are quality players. They’ve had good careers so far, and they’re all at an age to perform.
“They fit right in and they’re great guys. The style we play suits them and I’m excited to see how they go.”
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