Cronulla fullback Nathan Gardner is set for a shock return to NRL action just four months after rupturing his cruciate ligaments.
The 22-year-old is on course to play for the Sharks against Melbourne in two weeks having undergone reconstructive knee surgery following his side’s win over St George Illawarra on April 7.
Gardner is already back running, and hopeful he can help fire the Sharks into the finals for the first time since 2008.
“If everything keeps progressing the way it has been, then we’re hopeful of being back for round 25,” Gardner told AAP.
Gardner’s remarkable recovery has come at the perfect time for the Sharks, who have a brutal run home that includes playing South Sydney, Melbourne and North Queensland in their final three games.
It also vindicates his decision not to undergo LARS surgery, where an artificial ligament is inserted into the knee, and can lead to a player being back in action within six weeks.
Instead, renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr Craig Waller, at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital, used a different technique, to reduce the rehabilitation time.
“He used a hamstring from the same side as the injury for the graft, which is not revolutionary – it’s more just tweaking a traditional method,” Sharks’ doctor David Givney told AAP.
“It is not the sort of thing that would be used on Joe Blow.
“But the specialist felt that Nathan was perfect for this type of surgery, in terms of how he plays, his age and his body shape.”
Gardner was given the option of LARS, which was successfully used on former teammate Luke Covell two years ago, but felt it was too much of a risk.
“The surgeon outlined the options I had, but advised me not to go for LARS because I hadn’t had any previous knee injuries,” Gardner said.
“I am only 22 and he didn’t want me at risk further down the track and have to re-do it again.
“If I was fighting for a contract and wanted to guarantee I’d be back this year, then it would have been a better option for me. But he thought it was safer to go this way.”
Givney admitted he’s been blown away by Gardner’s desire to get back on the paddock, but said there would be a few nerves when he does return.
“I have never seen anyone work so hard,” he said.
“He hasn’t missed a physio session and has done everything he’s been asked and it’s great to see him nearly there.”
