Ade Gardner is praying 18 injury-jinxed months are finally behind him.
Ade Gardner is ready to return for St Helens
After Achilles, knee and eye problems, the ex-Great Britain winger has won back his St Helens shirt – and warned his young rivals to expect a fight if they want to take it back off him.
Gardner, 29, said: "I have missed a lot of rugby over the last two years and now there is great competition for places.
"Staying in the team is easier said than done because I just need to stay healthy, and that's not something I have done for the last two years."
Saints have won only two of their first five games, causing unrest among some fans.
But Gardner has urged patience, saying: "It's not a problem.
"We have got a lot of new players and a new structure and it will take time for it all to come