Witt eager for Crusaders return

Crusaders stand-off Michael Witt is chomping at the bit to make a return after a lengthy injury lay-off with a knee injury.

The former Manly and New Zealand Warriors star scored six tries and 35 goals for the club in the first half of last season before his season came to an abrupt end with the injury sustained against Harlequins in June.

He told the official Crusaders website: “It is always good to be back.

“I haven’t played for a long time so it is really important that I get a good pre-season under my belt. I’ve been itching to get back on the training paddock and I’m really keen to get back into the swing of things.

“It’s always frustrating when you’re out. It is never easy sitting on the sidelines, and it was particularly frustrating because the boys did so well towards the back end of last season. I always want to be part of the team on match-days so it was a little disappointing that I missed the run to the play-offs. But I’m raring to go and can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season.”

Uncertainty surrounds the future of the club, but Witt expects to be competing with the likes of Peter Lupton, Rhys Hanbury and Jarrod Sammut over a half-back slot for next season under new coach Iestyn Harris.

Witt added: “I’m not sure who’s going to be playing where but it will good to get a proper pre-season under our belts. I don’t expect to walk back into the side because everyone has to earn their stripes. There is going to be real competition for places next year and but I’m just going to concentrate on having a good pre-season and take things from there.”