WARRIORS centre Andy Symons is hoping to contribute to the club as much as possible after returning to the squad following eight months on the sidelines.
The 24-year-old made his return against Gloucester in their 34-22 European Challenge Cup defeat on December 10, when he played 70 minutes, after picking up a knee injury in April.
Symons, who joined Warriors from New Zealand side Tasman Makos, went on to play the full 80 minutes in Warriors’ most recent 27-13 defeat to Gloucester in the same competition on Thursday.
In those games Symons impressed by splitting the Gloucester defence on numerous occasions and contributed to Warriors’ first try in the first leg after offloading to Dean Hammond.
He also helped Hogg’s men take the lead in the recent loss after finding space in midfield to offload to Ben Howard, who raced 40 metres down the left to score.
Hertfordshire-born Symons told the Observer that now he is returning to full fitness he wants to concentrate on helping the club succeed, no matter what that role entails for him.
“It feels great to be back in a Worcester jersey. It’s always a proud moment to put it on and run out at Sixways,” said Symons.
“I was stoked just to get 70 minutes under my belt in the first game and from a personal perspective it was great, but from the team’s point of view it was a frustrating night against Gloucester.
“I was pretty surprised with my fitness coming back to be honest. I came off at half time and felt really good and, although I felt a little bit tired towards the end, I don’t think I did too badly at all.
“I’ve been working really hard over the last eight months to get myself in a better condition so hopefully I’ve achieved that.
“For the rest of the season I just want to concentrate on my bit in the team wherever that lies, whether it be training or playing.
“Hopefully I can push the other centres to be better week in and week out and can hopefully contribute as a top squad player,” he added.