“I just can’t wait for the games to start. I really want to put my name forward and try to get picked in the side,” McKenzie told kangaroos.com.au.
The smooth moving left-footer was eased in during his first session back, but expects his workload to be stepped up again as early as this week.
“The first training I just did the first couple of drills and conditioning and did a bit of my own running with the other boys in rehab, but I should be back pretty fully on Thursday I think.”
Despite the injury setback, Director of Medical Services & Player Pathways Steve Saunders says there were never any concerns for McKenzie’s long term health.
“Our scans just before Christmas confirmed he just had a little bit of bone bruising from a collision injury, but structurally the knee was fine.
“For a player of his age, the plan was to take it easy over the Christmas and New Year break, let the bruising settle down and then to spend January reloading and getting ready for full skills again.”
The 18 year-old left the track early, but the smile on his face suggested he was just happy to pull the boots on again.
“It was a hot day for my first session and it was pretty tough work, but I’m just glad to be back out there,” McKenzie added.
Now, with only four weeks until the Kangaroos kick off their NAB Cup campaign, McKenzie is in a race to prove himself fit for selection.
“He’s been back today (Monday) in full training in terms of content, but with his load modified. We’ll slowly bring that load back to 100% over the next month or so,” Saunders said.
“He will be fine for the NAB Cup.”
