Ask Jack Gosiewski his goals for the 2019 season and there is no mention of rep footy, premierships or upgraded contracts.
The honest Manly back-rower simply wants to play one game…then a second and a third.
You see, Gosiewski has managed just 14 NRL matches in three years after an injury list that he admits ‘just goes on and on’.
A torn patella pretty much ruined his last season at Souths in 2017 and led to a switch of clubs to Manly.
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A change of home did not bring a change of luck, however.
A broken hand was followed by a broken arm and an infection that left him not only wondering if it was all worth it, but also a nasty scar as a constant reminder.
“That’s why I’ve set myself the goal of playing the next five games,” Gosiewski explained after being named on the Sea Eagles bench for the season opener against Wests Tigers.
“I’ve struggled the last few years with injury…not being able to play consistent footy gets to you.”
That’s why the goals are simple.
They must be when you consider what the 24-year-old has endured.
“Last year I had a broken hand and I came back from that and into a broken arm,” Gosiewski continued.
“My arm was red and swollen and I went to see the specialist and he says, ‘you need to have surgery this afternoon’.
“The broken arm was infected and I was in hospital for five-six days on a drip.
“That was out of nowhere – I didn’t think it was that bad - but I was antibiotics for four months and I had to take them every six hours
“I’d take one at midnight and then one at six in the morning and so on.
“My sleep pattern was not good and I had to take them on an empty stomach.
“It was terrible…that was tough.”
But there was no way this former Mullumbimby Giant was going to throw it in, despite admitting to some dark moments.
“You put all that hard work in and it all just fizzles away,” he said.
“But I knew if I could string some games together I could show everyone the player I can be.”
“I’m here now and I’m fit and ready to go.”