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Message: [QUOTE="GCBRONCO, post: 2543865, member: 1808"] [url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/brisbane-broncos-winger-dale-copleys-comeback-from-knee-reconstruction-gathers-speed/story-fniabm4i-1226756085915]No Cookies | The Courier-Mail[/url] Brisbane Broncos winger Dale Copley's comeback from knee reconstruction gathers speed For the past nine months, Copley has been the Broncos' hard-luck story, falling victim to the club's left-side curse after a pre-season knee injury wiped out his 2013 season. But yesterday, in sweltering conditions at Purtell Park, the 22-year-old took his first strides towards atonement as competition for wing berths intensifies at Red Hill. A member of the 2012 Queensland Emerging Origin squad, Copley was expected to fire on the flank last season, only to be taken off on a stretcher after 18 minutes of pre-season action. "This the first pre-season I've been excited about. It's not usually an enjoyable time of year, but it feels good to be running again with the team," said Copley, who underwent surgery after damaging his patella tendon in a February trial against the Titans. "I did the whole pre-season and you do look forward to playing. Unfortunately I did all the work and I didn't get to enjoy the season. "It was tough, probably as much mentally as physically. Once the pain subsided in my knee it was hard to show up to Suncorp every week and watch the guys run around without you."It was heartbreaking at times, but now the focus switches to 2014." Copley accepts he won't get an armchair ride into the Broncos' starting side. In his absence last year, Josh Hoffman was a revelation on the left wing, finishing the club's leading tryscorer with 15 in 24 games. Throw in new backline recruits Ben Barba, Stewart Mills and Daniel Vidot, and the 95kg flyer knows someone will have to miss out. "It's never easy to play first grade at the Broncos so if I can crack the starting side I will be happy," said Copley, who has scored 14 tries from 38 career games. "With Ben Barba on board and Josh Hoffman already here - he can play on the wing, too - so there's a few extra guys to contend with. "I have been pretty limited with my opportunities in first grade. The last time I got to play numerous games was 2012, and since then I haven't seen much football. "Hopefully this year is different, and I can string some games together." Broncos coach Anthony Griffin lauded Copley's work ethic and admits the side sorely missed his finishing prowess last season. "He''s a real pro Dale, he's looking terrific," Griffin said. "He was pretty much ready to come back late last year, but we decided not to rush him. "I'm excited he's back, we haven't seen him for 12 months so it's like we've signed a new player." [/QUOTE]

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