It wasn't the winning return that he wanted but South Sydney Rabbitohs hulking forward Zane Musgrove was happy to get the air flowing through his lungs again as he made his return to the field for the first time in 12 weeks.
Coming off the bench Musgrove put in a strong performance in a beaten Bears side but the young forward was just pleased to be back doing what he does best are a lengthy spell on the sideline.
"It was good, first game back after 12 weeks or so but it was good to get the boots back on again and run out with the boys," said Musgrove.
"I love playing for the North Sydney Bears and for Souths, so it was good to get that feeling back again."
Musgrove made an impact when finally coming on adding a new dimension to the Bears attack even producing a line break, giving him an unlikely chance to get the legs pumping.
"I think I was on the treadmill for a bit there," laughed Musgrove.
"But it was just a good feeling doing what I love doing, it's been a stressful 12 weeks sitting on the sidelines watching."
For Musgrove the main mission is to find a way back into the first-grade team and play alongside the best, but the Samoan international is just happy to be back playing and can't wait to start playing consistent football.
"Definitely it's going to be hard to crack that side," said Musgrove
"The boys are going really well and the guys coming off the bench but I'm just looking to play consistent footy and achieve my goal of getting back in the first-grade side but I was just grateful to get my chance again.
