Each week during the Super Rugby Pacific season, we'll be providing an SKG Fitness Update. This week, we learn about how Campbell Parata is progressing with his injury.
Parata is a homegrown Tier 1 Academy player who has recently joined the Force from the New Zealand NPC powerhouse Tasman Mako. Known as an excellent tactical kicker and game manager, Parata is aiming to wear the Force jersey after starring as a youngster for Aranmore Catholic College and Wanneroo.
The 21-year-old injured his left middle finger playing for the Force Maali Development side against the Perth Gold in February. He impacted his finger in contact and had pain and swelling following the game. Campbell was sent for an X-Ray at SKG, which identified a fracture in his distal phalanx (fingertip), extending into his knuckle.
Parata saw Hand Therapist Mick Fitzgerald at InHandOccupational Therapy who made a splint to protect his fingertip as the bone heals.
In the meantime, Parata has made most of the opportunity this injury has provided to him. He has been spending ample time with Head of Strength, Power and Rehab Hal Marsden working on:
- Running technique and drilling
- Run-based and gym-based conditioning
- Kicking power and accuracy
- Right-handed single-arm catching and passing
Parata is now four weeks post-injury and looking to re-join the squad next week for the non-contact elements of team training. He will aim to make a return to rugby at six weeks post-injury when the bone has healed enough to reduce the risk of re-fracture.
He will wear the splint for up to eight weeks to ensure complete bone healing.
