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ANTHONY Minichiello believes he is finally on the verge of putting "the lost years" behind him. Plagued by injuries for the past four seasons, a fitter, stronger Minichiello burst out of the blocks in the Roosters' 28-10 demolition of Wests Tigers in last Sunday's Foundation Cup clash.
"I feel terrific and feel I have got on top of all the injuries now," says the man rated the best player in the world in 2005.
Minichiello has had a woeful run since winning the Golden Boot that year, playing just six games in 2006, 10 in 2007, nine in 2008 and eight last year.
"It's been a lean trot the last few years but my off-season has been terrific and I'm getting my confidence back," he says.
"It's a fresh start at the Roosters this year with a new coaching staff and a new attitude and I'm enjoying every minute of it."
The 18-Test veteran's woes began in 2006, when he underwent back surgery on a chronic problem.
Last yaer he looked to have finally beaten the problem - only to suffer a broken ankle against Canberra that required surgery.
"I came back for the last six games but wasn't myself," he says.
"I'm alot stronger now."
Coach Brian Smith sees Minichiello as a leader both on and off the field.
"He has been unreal at training and is a big-match player, which every club needs," Smith says.
"The guy has had a horrible run and looks to have turned the corner. He is great at talking to the young guys and we have plenty of them... they hang off his every word."
If new recruit Todd Carney cements the fullback spot, where he has been used during the trials, Minichiello is likely to revert to the wing - where he began his NRL career back in 2000.
"I feel terrific and feel I have got on top of all the injuries now," says the man rated the best player in the world in 2005.
Minichiello has had a woeful run since winning the Golden Boot that year, playing just six games in 2006, 10 in 2007, nine in 2008 and eight last year.
"It's been a lean trot the last few years but my off-season has been terrific and I'm getting my confidence back," he says.
"It's a fresh start at the Roosters this year with a new coaching staff and a new attitude and I'm enjoying every minute of it."
The 18-Test veteran's woes began in 2006, when he underwent back surgery on a chronic problem.
Last yaer he looked to have finally beaten the problem - only to suffer a broken ankle against Canberra that required surgery.
"I came back for the last six games but wasn't myself," he says.
"I'm alot stronger now."
Coach Brian Smith sees Minichiello as a leader both on and off the field.
"He has been unreal at training and is a big-match player, which every club needs," Smith says.
"The guy has had a horrible run and looks to have turned the corner. He is great at talking to the young guys and we have plenty of them... they hang off his every word."
If new recruit Todd Carney cements the fullback spot, where he has been used during the trials, Minichiello is likely to revert to the wing - where he began his NRL career back in 2000.
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