After three shoulder surgeries Cowboys hooker Ray Thompson says he’s ready for round one

AFTER recovering from an array of cruel injuries, Cowboys hooker Ray Thompson says he is fully fit and ready for round one.

RAY Thompson has undergone three shoulder reconstructions and has 16 screws embedded in his jawline.

But a cruel array of injuries has not left deeper mental scars as the pint-sized Cowboys utility embarks on a permanent move to the forwards.

Graded as a halfback, Thompson is determined to cement a top-grade spot at hooker, despite a succession of setbacks that could already have curtailed his NRL career.

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The 24-year-old’s campaign ended prematurely last season when he collided with Newcastle prop Kade Snowden, who remains suspended for the shoulder charge that shattered Thompson's jaw.

Thompson will run out against Canberra this Saturday night with 16 screws and three metal plates bolstering his rebuilt jaw, but insists he harbours no ill-feeling towards Snowden.

“I don't hold any grudges towards him (Snowden),’’ Thompson said. “It wasn’t intentional, it was an accident so there are no hard feelings.

News_Image_File: Ray Thompson during a North Queensland Cowboys training session.

“I've talked to him a few times since. It’s what happens when you play contact sport. You don’t wish it upon anyone, but I’ve moved on.

“It was a little bit tough mentally at first. I’ve copped a few whacks (during the trials) and you always get a flashback, but that's part and parcel of playing footy.

“I'm getting through it. It’s not affecting me too bad mentally.’’

Despite a gruelling recovery from his broken jaw in which he lost 6kg in a matter of weeks, Thompson is backing himself to fire in the engine room.

At 85kg, Thompson will concede almost 30kg to the NRL’s biggest forwards, but likes the life in the No. 9 jumper.

“I want to play at hooker,’’ he said. “I’m starting to understand how to play the role a bit better. Hopefully I will play there on a regular basis this year.

“I don't know if my halfback days are over, I still train at halfback now and again and help out with some kicking, but I would like to cement myself at hooker.

“It is a simple job at dummy-half, you work your butt off and you play forward and take some runs when you get the opportunity.

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“I don't mind tackling and getting in there working amongst the bigger boys, but I wouldn’t mind putting on a few kilos.’’

Thompson says the fightback of former Kiwi Test star Benji Marshall, who endured five shoulder operations, was evidence he can overcome his shoulder woes.

“The shoulders were a lot harder to overcome than my jaw,’’ he said. “I've had three operations on them and every time they have been tough.

“I work extremely hard in the gym away from the training paddock to make sure my body is right.

“That's all I can do now to prevent another setback. I accept there are a lot of unknowns, but I’ll fight on.’’

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