![Eager Barnett edging closer to return from injury](/contentassets/2965c86904fa4c2bb7dd2772731bb914/barnett-m-200525106sm.jpg?center=0.356%2C0.474&preset=hero-primary-wide)
Mitch Barnett is hopeful of making a comeback from injury in just a couple of weeks.
The backrower has been sidelined since Round 2 where he suffered a neck injury against the Wests Tigers but is nearing a return.
“I got it operated on 12-13 weeks ago,” Barnett told Triple M Newcastle on Saturday.
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“I had a fusion in my C5 and 6. It’s going really well.
“I was hoping to be back a few weeks ago. It’s all bone healing at the moment. I can’t really put a time on it. It’s a bit slower than we would’ve wanted it. I get another scan on Monday week. As soon as I get the all-clear, I’ll be right to come back.”
It’s an injury the Club is being careful with and not willing to rush.
While frustrating, Barnett acknowledges that the recovery can’t be rushed.
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“They’re making sure its 100 percent healed before they let me do anything which I’m grateful for,” he said.
“The sooner, the better though.”
Since sidelined, the game has seen a host of changes introduced including the six again rule for ruck infringements.
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It’s a rule Barnett has enjoyed watching and is keen to experience himself.
“It’s sped the game up, which I like,” he said.
“The teams that handle it better are probably the teams that have done the hard work with fitness, I guess.
“…I like the rule and we’re handling it well… it’s made the game a lot faster and free-flowing.”