Farrar lifts lid on injury hell

Manly’s Ben Farrar has opened up on his nightmare knee injury, which saw him miss the whole of last season.

Versatile utility player Farrar, 26, returned to Brookvale in 2012 after spending a year with Catalans Dragons in Super League.

But the former Newcastle junior has failed to make an appearance in Sea Eagles colours since, after suffering an ACL injury while playing for Manly’s NSW Cup team in the opening round.

He was therefore forced to sit out the Brookvale club’s powerhouse season, which saw them lose to eventual premiers Melbourne in the preliminary final.

Strong performances from Brett Stewart cement his place at full-back – Farrar’s primary position – and sign a four year deal.

But Farrar is philosophical about his situation.

“I’ve had a lot of time to think about it, get my body right, get my knee right more importantly, and mentally get over some demons that I’ve had,” he told Manly’s official website.

“Hopefully I can get back out on the field and start enjoying my footy again.”

Farrar’s time in Europe with Catalans and with North Queensland has made him something of a journeyman, but he still insists he has a love for the game.

“I still really enjoy playing, that’s probably the main thing,” he added.

“If I didn’t enjoy playing footy I probably wouldn’t put myself through it. I miss that rush and excitement of playing football again.

“Secondly, I’m trying to pay back all the people who have helped me along the way. It’s been a long road to recovery, and I’m not there yet.”