Talented back-rower Blake Leary will be hoping for a better run with injuries in season 2016.
Two back injuries at different stages of the 2015 season reduced the edge runner to just 13 games in his first year for the Sea Eagles.
Having played just two NRL games for the North Queensland Cowboys – one each in 2012 and 2013 – Leary was signed to the Sea Eagles after producing his best season in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup for Premiers, the Northern Pride.
Leary left the Pride on a positive note after helping them to an upset win over Penrith in the inaugural State Championship Grand Final at ANZ Stadium.
A strong pre-season at Narrabeen saw him impress the Sea Eagles coaching staff to earn a spot on the bench for the opening round match against Parramatta.
Unfortunately for Leary, he suffered a bulging disc injury the following week's win over Melbourne.
Once recovered, Leary made his way back through the NSW Cup side before returning to the NRL team in round nine to play second-row in the 30-10 win over Newcastle at Brookvale Oval.
Leary retained his position in the number 11 jersey for the next three matches before suffering another back injury in the 44-10 loss to Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium in round 13.
The injury saw him sitting in the grandstand until round 20 when he made a solid return off the bench in the amazing 32-12 win over the Warriors in Auckland.
Leary then turned in his usual workmanlike performances at lock in the next three wins against Brisbane, Souths and Canberra.
His versatility saw him shifted to hooker when Matt Ballin suffered a season ending ACL injury during the loss to Parramatta on a cold and miserable Sunday at Brookvale Oval in round 24.
He then played in the nine jersey in the loss to the Roosters the following week before finishing the season back at lock in the win over Cronulla when Jayden Hodges took over at hooker.
Season Stats
Games |
Tries |
Goals |
Points |
Metres |
Runs |
Tackles |
13 |
1 |
4 |
996 |
129 |
379 |
