Salford’s Josh Wood hoping to be fit for start of the season

Salford youngster Josh Wood is hoping to be fit for the start of the new Super League season after undergoing surgery on his shoulder. 

Wood revealed that due to a slight injury he has already been on the operation table in 2019 for surgery on his shoulder.

He said: “I’ve had an operation on my shoulder that not many people know about, but hopefully once that’s fully healed I’ll be back into the swing of things.

“I had it [the operation] a week into pre-season but it’s feeling a lot better than it’s ever done now. It’s just to make my shoulder stronger so when that’s healed up it’ll be better than last year hopefully.”

The Red Devils hooker was told by his surgeon that he would miss the start to the season, but he hopes to be available for his side’s trip to Huddersfield at the start of February.

He added: “I’m well ahead of schedule. I’m back lifting, I’m back training with the lads doing contact so hopefully I’ll be alright for the start of the season.”

Having been born in Wigan the Red Devils man would have liked to play in the upcoming friendly against his hometown club, but he understands that it is still too early after his operation.

Wood continued: “That [Wigan friendly] is a bit too soon, but the lads are grafting they’re doing really well. I stepped back in last week and all the lads are fit and strong.”

After impressing Salford coach Ian Watson last season, Wood has been handed the number nine shirt ahead of the new season.

On gaining the number nine jersey, the 23-year-old told loverugbyleague.com: “It means a lot, it’s definitely a boost. I spoke to Watto [Watson] at the beginning of the year and he said I’ve earned it.

“I know now that I have to get back in that starting 13 and make sure it’s my spot. We’ve got two other quality nine’s so my aim is just to be in the starting 13 and make that spot mine.”

Wood picked up the Young Player of the Year award at Salford’s awards night last year.