League: Wade's ready to fire again

Warriors fullback Wade McKinnon resting after surgery on his right knee. Photo / Dean Purcell

Wade McKinnon doesn't feel like the saviour.

His long-anticipated return after knee surgery last weekend showed he's still got the skills although the timing of his attacking thrusts was perhaps a millisecond off. However the vision was there and the rest will come.

He got very tired and rated his performance in the 18-4 win over Cronulla as ordinary. "I felt good, it felt good to be out there," he said after watching 21 games from the sidelines while a knee, injured in a pre-season game against Newcastle, recovered.

A measure of his intent was evident when he sat sideline during much of that time and and also paid his way to Sydney to attend games while visiting family and friends.

"I'd been training hard, it's been a long time," he said of his return.

"I was feeling pretty rusty at times but it will come back," McKinnon said as he prepared for a vital game against the St George Illawarra Dragons in Wollongong.

It's clear the Warriors got lost and missed the impact of their big-name stars earlier this season.

McKinnon was joined on the casualty list by captain Steve Price, Ruben Wiki, Manu Vatuvei, Jerome Ropati and others. Price and Brent Tate were later involved in State of Origin.

Lately, the Warriors have looked closer to the team everyone thought they could be at the start of the season and are in a position to propel themselves, with momentum, into the play-offs. McKinnon's return has been looked on as providing the rocket fuel for that boost.

"I don't feel any pressure, I'm just looking at playing my usual game."

There is plenty of talent in the team and try-scoring ability without him, he said. "We're definitely capable [of competing in the finals series],"

"The team is awesome. There were a few hiccups early on but no one gave up, we're really tight and that's what gets you through."

The 27-year-old is signed at the Auckland club for another three seasons a big commitment and one he says will bring a title. "I enjoy it here, it's been a lot of fun."

McKinnon is looking forward to getting back into surfing at Muriwai, Mt Maunganui and spots he's yet to visit.

He feels no twinges in the repaired knee but there's some soreness. He does extra weights work and other maintenance. "It's fine, it doesn't worry me at all," he said when asked if there was any mental baggage that might, subconsciously, make him take it easier on the leg for fear of a repeat injury.