Joe Edwards (Te Whakatōhea) will be getting ready for pre-season training with the Blues on Thursday, after his first year as a Blues player and his second year in the Auckland team for the ITM Cup. To top off his 2013 achievements, he's also been named as a finalist in the junior men's section of the Māori Sports Awards.
Although Joe is looking forward to preseason, he's still in recovery mode after shoulder surgery five weeks ago.
Joe injured his shoulder against Northland in the ITM Cup, which resulted in a full shoulder reconstruction last month.
He says, 'I've got three screws in there at the moment to keep the ligaments on the bone.'
While Joe says he's had a mixed first season with the Blues due to injuries, he's humbled to be named as a finalist for the Māori Sports Awards.
Joe is hoping his shoulder will recover quickly so he can be even stronger for the Blues next season.
With his eagerness for growth and success, there's no doubt Joe will impress next year.