Set to string together back-to-back NRL games for the first time in over 18 months, Xavier Savage is ready to put the dark days behind him.
Returning to first grade last week for the first time since Round 10 last year, Savage reminded fans of a time he was one of the most promising rookies in the game.
Following a breakout 2022 season, the 21-year-old was in the box-seat to be the Green Machine's long-term fullback heading into 2023 but that came crashing down when he suffered a broken jaw in the Pre-Season Challenge.
After fighting his way back into Ricky Stuart's 17 for the season opener, Savage knew someone had to make way...