Castleford’s Dixon helps put Green on the road to recovery

However, Hull KR star Blake Green would soon be informed the problem was a lot more severe when it emerged the aching pain was also masking a dangerous blood clot.

Ruled out indefinitely after surgery back in January, there were fears he could miss almost the entire year, possible even see his promising career come to a premature close.

Thankfully, the gifted Australian only missed 11 weeks of the season, making a try-scoring return in Sunday’s Challenge Cup defeat against Catalan Dragons.

Now he is ready to start his first Super League game of the year when London Broncos arrive at Craven Park tomorrow but Green admitted to the Yorkshire Post: “It certainly was a shock when I discovered what it was.

“I’d had a tear in my calf but didn’t know what was actually inside it.

“I probably didn’t realise the seriousness of the situation until I’d done a little bit of research and I’m certainly glad it’s all gone now and I can put it to bed.

“It was great to get back out there with the boys last week. It was a disappointing result, getting knocked out in the first round of the cup, and only by two points as well, but it was a nice feeling to be playing again.”

Green, who won Rovers’ player of the year last season in his first campaign since joining from Canterbury, revealed he had been in contact with a Super League rival to aid his recovery.

Blood clot problems – which can in the worst-case scenario lead to death – are rare in players yet Castleford Tigers winger Kirk Dixon, who hails from Hull and used to play for Rovers’ city rivals, endured a similar problem in 2009.

Green said: “I managed to speak to Kirk about it all and it was nice to relate feelings to someone who had the same sort of injury.

“I was a little bit luckier than him – he had clots in his leg and lungs – so I was certainly better off.

“But I spoke to him about how it affects his training regime while he was on medication and if he’s had any complications when he’s pushed harder than perhaps what the doctors want.

“It’s been a big help and it was nice to know he’s been there.”

A legacy of Dixon’s problem is a huge inflated calf muscle which sees one leg far bigger than the other, a sight which has brought much amusement to his Tigers colleagues.

Green added: “I couldn’t believe it when Kirk showed me that.

“Mine was never swollen at all – certainly at least not to that extent – so I think I’ve been lucky again.

“I’ve still got two perfectly shaped legs!”

Blood-thinning medication helped reduce the clot and gradually break it down before an MRI scan after six weeks revealed it had disappeared completely.

“I’ve felt fine since then and, for the last month, had been able to do everything in training apart from the contact,” he said.

“That’s been frustrating as I’ve wanted to get out and play and felt fine to do so.

“But I’ve just had to stay on the medication and wait until the specialist gave the go-ahead.

“I got that last week and it was brilliant to get back on the field properly.”

Rovers have clearly missed Green’s quality during his absence since rupturing his calf in the friendly against Wigan.

His partnership with fellow countryman Michael Dobson was rated the best half-back pairing in Super League by many last year and without that twin-pronged attack they have, understandably, sometimes lacked variety.

A dynamic runner of the ball as well as clever handler, his 40/20 kick set up position for Josh Hodgson’s try in the 20-18 loss against the French visitors while, of course, he crossed himself as well.

Rovers have struggled for consistency this term, delivering just four wins so far and remaining outside the play-off places.

But victory over struggling London will nudge them nearer the top eight and the player himself is confident of quickly regaining his full influence.

“I wouldn’t be playing at all if I didn’t think I could compete at the highest level,” he said.

“I need to work hard on my game and have some great support from my team-mates.

“If they’re performing each week around me it will make it easier for me to do my stuff.

“Hopefully we can go on a bit of a run and start stringing some wins together, starting with London.

“I’m certainly looking forward to the rest of this year after everything that has happened.”