Wakefield Wildcats: Owen savours positives after turbulent period

The full-back/winger is hoping to be available for the start of First Utility Super League next month, despite suffering a badly broken leg last August.

Owen suffered the same injury – a fractured tibia and fibula – to his other leg playing for Castleford Tigers in 2010.

Both injuries occurred against Bradford Bulls and last season’s came just two games into his return from a voluntary spell in a rehabilitation program with the Sporting Chance clinic.

Speaking at Wildcats’ pre-season media day, Owen said: “I am good, getting there.

“Everything is going to plan in training.

“I go back to see the specialist on the 26th and hopefully I’ll get the all-clear.”

Wildcats’ play host to Widnes Vikings in their opening game of the new campaign on Sunday, February 7, and Owen is 
confident he will be in contention.

“Touch wood,” he said. “I just need to do the first bit of contact.

“I am doing wrestling and everything.

“It is quicker than I expected, the medical staff at Wakefield have been fantastic and have helped me out loads.

“Brian (Smith) and the coaching staff have not rushed me into doing things and everything is feeling good.”

Owen admitted he feared the worst in the aftermath of his latest injury.

He said: “It is the same break as before, but the opposite leg.

“It is just one of those things. I had my other doubts this year, going into re-hab. I came out and two weeks later and had a break like that, but everything is good. I am positive in life and things are going good.

“Family life is good and I am physically well and mentally well now. Things are looking up.”

Owen is confident both he and Wildcats can have a “big year”.

Wakefield finished 11 points adrift at the foot of Super League in 2015, but survived after beating Bradford Bulls in the million pound match.

“We have got a great squad now,” Owen said. “Brian (Smith) is putting his stamp on us in pre-season and it is looking very positive.

“We’ve had two friendlies and the boys played really well against Leeds.

“Brian chucked a couple of young lads in against Fev and I think in previous years our heads could have gone down and Featherstone could have run away with it.

“But we ground it out and got the win.

“I know it’s not about the wins in these friendlies, but it is always a positive to get the result.”