HE returned to the Blues from England this season and played just three games before injury ruined his season, but now Queanbeyan Blues halfback Andrew McLean is eager as ever to win the Canberra Raiders Cup.
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A torn bicep suffered in round four against the West Belconnen Warriors and work commitments saw the experienced half spend two months on the sideline, but he finally returned in his side's 26-10 win over the Gungahlin Bulls last Saturday, scoring a try in his dominant effort.
And with fellow half in former Canberra Raider Marc Herbert having returned from his own injury plagues a fortnight ago, the strongest halves pairing in the competition is back in business.
They will both run out against the Belconnen United Scholars at Seiffert Oval on Saturday knowing a win will secure them the minor premiership.
But having played for the Blues in their last premiership season of 2008, McLean said that will mean nothing unless they go one step better this season.
"I was in that 2008 side, and it was one of the best days of my life, yet alone my sporting career," said McLean.
That year they beat the Gungahlin Bulls 46-18 in the final, but since then they have won two minor premierships but lost both grand finals.
Given how desperate the Blues are to turn their past misfortunes around, McLean said it was the best time of the season to be coming back into the team.
"There's a good feel around the team, but we need to concentrate and make sure we get these next few wins," he said.
Across town, the Queanbeyan Kangaroos play the Gungahlin Bulls at Freebody Oval on Saturday.
Skipper Troy Whiley and centre Robbie Byatt have now settled back from injuries and look good to keep playing, while half Jordan Macey had a blinder against Tuggeranong last week with a 16 point haul and will look to continue his dominance.