RUGBY LEAGUE: Karl Pryce is desperate to put his injury nightmare behind and show Wigan fans what they have missed.

The 22-year-old centre did not play at all last season after being plagued by a recurring foot injury he picked at rugby union’s Gloucester.

The former Bradford powerhouse switched back codes to rugby league after agreeing a two-year deal with Warriors in the summer 2007. And, after a miserable spell on the sidelines, he is now fully fit and raring to go ahead of Sunday’s Super League opener against Wakefield.

“It was a nightmare,” he said. “When you are sat on the sidelines thinking when are you going to play again it’s very difficult.

“I’m so excited to be back playing. I’m not up to fully up to match fitness but the I’ll get there in the next three or four games.”

He added: “It was a slow process and I thought I would’ve been back quicker than I was.

“I could’ve played last season but I would’ve been back for two or three games, then out again. That wouldn’t be good for me or the team.

“But the owner Ian Lenagan came to me last season and said we’re going to look after you and make sure it’s right. That showed me that Ian and the coach Brian Noble had faith in me.”

But Pryce, younger brother of Great Britain and St Helens star Leon, knows he faces a battle for a place in the team.

He added: “We’ve got a couple of new players and the younger players coming through are pushing for places.

“But hopefully I can get into the team and show what I can do.”