Brett Seymour has been playing first-grade rugby league for more than 13 years but he admits he will be particularly nervous when he makes his first appearance for Castleford Tigers on Sunday.
The 29-year-old Australian half-back will be playing his first match for almost 12 months when he runs out for the Tigers in their pre-season friendly against York.
He was released by Hull FC last April after crashing his car while suffering from depression and considered giving up the game until he was thrown a career lifeline by Castleford.
Seymour had to shed nearly 10 kilos after turning up for pre-season training grossly overweight and was forced to sit out the Tigers’ Boxing Day game against Halifax but now feels ready to start to kick-start his career.
“It’s been a slow start but I just feel I am starting to remember what I am doing so it’s really good,” Seymour said at Castleford’s pre-season media day.
“I’ve had nearly a year off match practice but just recently we have been doing 13 on 13 which simulates a game as much as possible.
“But you can only really tell when you get out on the field. It’s just like starting fresh again.
“I had to get fit and I have worked on my kicking game. It felt like I couldn’t kick a ball. It’s been a daunting process but it feels like it’s coming together.
“I was nervous coming into training so I can only imagine what a game is going to be like.”
Seymour, who made his NRL debut for Brisbane Broncos at the age of 17, was hoping to put a series of off-field disciplinary issues behind him when he arrived in England two years ago but he slipped into a state of depression after suffering a loss of form and almost lost his life after once more turning to drink and crashing his car.
However, friends and family rallied around and he got his life back together thanks largely to the Sporting Chance Clinic.
“I am still in touch with the people there,” said the former Cronulla and New Zealand Warriors player, who has signed a 12-month contract with the Tigers.
“They have been outstanding and I wouldn’t be here but for them. I usually catch up once a week to have a coffee or a chat. It is a sounding board for life and generally how things are.”
Tigers coach Daryl Powell is happy to give Seymour another chance and will be hoping he can help fill the void created by the departure of Rangi Chase.
“He looks in a good place at the moment,” Powell said. “I am confident he will be okay. Things didn’t work out for him in the past and he’s had a well-documented difficult time in his personal life.
“He’s at the right place to help him through that and he’s going well and working really hard.
“I’ve been very impressed with him since Christmas. When he first came back he found it tough and he didn’t play on Boxing Day because he wasn’t in the right shape but he’s getting there now.”
State of Mind would like to wish Brett all the very best for the future with the Tigers!