Salford’s Ashley Gibson hoping to put injuries behind him
Salford City Reds winger Ashley Gibson looks to put the injuries which have restricted his career behind him as he begins his third season at the Reds.
Signed from Leeds prior to the 2010 season, Gibson was part of Shaun McRae’s squad throughout 2010 and the winger looks back fondly on his first season as a stage on which he was able to perform regularly.
“When I first came here from Leeds, and signed a one year contract, I were under a bit of pressure,” Gibson told Code13.
“”I had quite a good season, I think. I played every game, before that I’d struggled with a lot of injuries and had not played many super league games, and I played all 28 rounds.”
Gibson broke into a successful Rhinos outfit in 2005, but injuries blighted his chances at Headingley as he struggled to cement a regular place in the squad. Something the winger pointed out was also a feature of last season at Salford; Gibson admitted he struggled for consistency due to niggles and rib injuries.
Despite this disappointment the 25-year-old is focusing on the here and now.
“This year I’ve got my head down in pre-season, training really hard and being as professional as I can,” he added.
“I’ve got stuck in there and in the first couple of friendlies I’ve played on the wing and played a few positions. I feel like I’ve fared pretty well. I’ve felt fit and strong.”
It is certainly hoped that all of the hard work and determination will pay dividends, and Gibson revealed the individual effort that has gone into avoiding injury this season.
“I’ve come in early and stayed behind at the end after training,” he said. “I’m always stretching and doing extra little things. Having rehab and speaking to the physio, even buying things on the internet that can help me perform. [Things like] Foam rolls, ice packs and supplements to help my recovery.”
Gibson forms part of a competitive set of back-rowers at Salford, but having players of the calibre Danny Williams, Sean Gleeson, Jodie Broughton, new signing Joel Moon and a revitalised Gibson at Phil Veivers’ disposal can only benefit Salford as the 2012 season progresses.
