Manly back-rower Anthony Watmough says he’ll play through the pain barrier in 2013, the NSW star set to start the season with a rib problem.
Watmough injured his ribs during the trial against Sydney Roosters last month and said he’ll have another jab before the season opener against Brisbane on Friday.
Watmough underwent surgery in the off-season on a long-standing neck problem and was also forced off in the Sea Eagles trial loss to Cronulla.
However, the representative forward said he’ll be fit to take his place against the Broncos in Brisbane.
“It was the first time I had any rib injuries and we cortisoned it and it settled down,” Watmough said.
“There’s still a little bit of pain, but that’s footy, you get to some bumps and bruises.
“You cop your local and then cop your medicine when you’re out on the field and it will probably be there for 26 rounds or so.”