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Achilles Eel finally back in shape
By Ray Gatt
February 27, 2004
ADAM DYKES might be in the third season of a four-year deal with Parramatta, but the classy five-eighth doesn't mind admitting he feels like a starry-eyed rookie kicking off his career with the Eels.
There have been few keener or more impressive trainers and performers during the pre-season than the easy-going Dykes.
Given the horrendous run of bad luck that has plagued his stop-start time at the club, the 26-year-old's enthusiasm at being injury-free is understandable.
Nothing has gone right for the gifted playmaker since his switch from the Sharks to the Eels three seasons ago.
Touted as the missing link and the man who would douse the pain of Parramatta's grand final loss to Newcastle in 2001, Dykes had a lot to live up to on his arrival.
But the grandiose plans - and any hopes of the Eels going one better in 2002 - were dashed when Dykes sustained a series of injuries that followed him into the 2003 season.
"It's pretty much a horror story," Dykes confessed after another solid training session at Parramatta Stadium this week.
"It started off with an infected foot, then I needed a knee operation before striking problems with my shoulder.
"I think I played about 10 games. It didn't get any better last season. I needed a shoulder reconstruction, then I developed an achilles problem before I tore my groin."
Dykes missed at least 12 weeks last season and he was left wondering if Lady Luck would ever smile on him again.
"So far, things couldn't be better, though, mind you, I'm staying clear of black cats and ladders," he said.
Being free of injury has meant that Dykes has been able to take part in his first pre-season training with the Eels since joining the club.
"It's great to have been involved in everything from the start. I feel like a different person. It's like starting a new career," he said.
"I've really enjoyed the pre-season. I've done every session and I feel better for it. I played in the sevens, which was tiring but great fun.
"I also played 20 minutes in the trial against the Sharks and had a fair bit of game time the other night (against the Warriors)."
Dykes admits that his misfortune with injuries has helped him develop a new approach to the game this season.
"For me, it's going to be about fun and enjoyment," he said.
"I want to have a few laughs with the boys, concentrate on playing good football and try to play with a lot of fun. I think it will help take my mind off things."
Parramatta coach Brian Smith is one person looking forward to having a fitter, stronger and injury-free Dykes at his disposal.
"I can't fault Adam's attitude during the pre-season. He has been one of our best and hasn't missed a session," Smith said.
"He had a lot of problems over the past two seasons but has fought back tremendously.
"He will be important for us because he knows the ropes and can get the best out of the rest of the players on the field."
Dykes, who finishes his contract with the Eels at the end of next season, says he is not looking ahead to the future.
"My goal is to get on to the field for the first game of the season then we will take it from there," he said.
As for suggestions there will be pressure on him to perform because a lot of the play will revolve around him, Dykes was not concerned.
"There is pressure on everyone to perform," he said.
"Again, I just want to go out and enjoy my football."
The Australian
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,8803279-23214,00.html
By Ray Gatt
February 27, 2004
ADAM DYKES might be in the third season of a four-year deal with Parramatta, but the classy five-eighth doesn't mind admitting he feels like a starry-eyed rookie kicking off his career with the Eels.
There have been few keener or more impressive trainers and performers during the pre-season than the easy-going Dykes.
Given the horrendous run of bad luck that has plagued his stop-start time at the club, the 26-year-old's enthusiasm at being injury-free is understandable.
Nothing has gone right for the gifted playmaker since his switch from the Sharks to the Eels three seasons ago.
Touted as the missing link and the man who would douse the pain of Parramatta's grand final loss to Newcastle in 2001, Dykes had a lot to live up to on his arrival.
But the grandiose plans - and any hopes of the Eels going one better in 2002 - were dashed when Dykes sustained a series of injuries that followed him into the 2003 season.
"It's pretty much a horror story," Dykes confessed after another solid training session at Parramatta Stadium this week.
"It started off with an infected foot, then I needed a knee operation before striking problems with my shoulder.
"I think I played about 10 games. It didn't get any better last season. I needed a shoulder reconstruction, then I developed an achilles problem before I tore my groin."
Dykes missed at least 12 weeks last season and he was left wondering if Lady Luck would ever smile on him again.
"So far, things couldn't be better, though, mind you, I'm staying clear of black cats and ladders," he said.
Being free of injury has meant that Dykes has been able to take part in his first pre-season training with the Eels since joining the club.
"It's great to have been involved in everything from the start. I feel like a different person. It's like starting a new career," he said.
"I've really enjoyed the pre-season. I've done every session and I feel better for it. I played in the sevens, which was tiring but great fun.
"I also played 20 minutes in the trial against the Sharks and had a fair bit of game time the other night (against the Warriors)."
Dykes admits that his misfortune with injuries has helped him develop a new approach to the game this season.
"For me, it's going to be about fun and enjoyment," he said.
"I want to have a few laughs with the boys, concentrate on playing good football and try to play with a lot of fun. I think it will help take my mind off things."
Parramatta coach Brian Smith is one person looking forward to having a fitter, stronger and injury-free Dykes at his disposal.
"I can't fault Adam's attitude during the pre-season. He has been one of our best and hasn't missed a session," Smith said.
"He had a lot of problems over the past two seasons but has fought back tremendously.
"He will be important for us because he knows the ropes and can get the best out of the rest of the players on the field."
Dykes, who finishes his contract with the Eels at the end of next season, says he is not looking ahead to the future.
"My goal is to get on to the field for the first game of the season then we will take it from there," he said.
As for suggestions there will be pressure on him to perform because a lot of the play will revolve around him, Dykes was not concerned.
"There is pressure on everyone to perform," he said.
"Again, I just want to go out and enjoy my football."
The Australian
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,8803279-23214,00.html
