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 on Sunday.
The 29-year-old former Brisbane, Cronulla and Warriors halfback 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 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.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"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 the 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," he said.
"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."
