Forber enjoying pre-season return
Tom Forber has reflected on recovering from injury, returning for pre-season and making a difference in the community.
Having featured in the five matches of the 2025 campaign, including an interchange appearance in the Club’s historic victory over Warrington Wolves in Las Vegas, the Warriors hooker saw his season cut short in August after suffering a wrist injury while playing for the Reserves.
The 22-year-old, who continued his rehabilitation through the off-season at Robin Park Arena, sat down to discuss the change to his off-season whilst recovering from injury.
“As soon as I saw my wrist, and with the pain I was in, I feared the worst going for scans,” Forber described. “It ended up being the worst case scenario – season ending – and I’m an individual who always likes to stay active, so that made things difficult at the start as I couldn’t do much.
“The off-season has been slightly different because of the injury. I’ve still managed to spend a week in Egypt and visit family as much as I can. I’ve also spent quite a bit of time with the lads; going for breakfasts, playing cards and squash is popular.”
As the second pre-season week comes to an end for the Warriors, Forber shared his delight in being back at Robin Park Arena working with players and staff.
“You face lonely and repetitive days in the gym when you’re injured, but it’s important you keep working hard whilst staying positive because your main goal is to return fitter, faster and stronger,” he said.
“I definitely enjoy being back in. Obviously, pre-season is tough and long days, but when you spend so long working through rehab on your own you miss being around teammates even more. Some of the best days and memories come from working hard alongside friends while sharing a laugh.
“The connection we have is built from the time we spend together outside of rugby. We’re a good group of mates which is why we look connected when playing together as our desire to win for each other is stronger than the wanting to win for yourself.”
As part of the Club’s pre-season programme, players engage in community activities each Friday afternoon to help create a positive impact across the entire borough. Forber has visited primary schools during ‘Warriors Together’ to help raise awareness on mental health and physical wellbeing.
“Warriors Together is massive for the lads as we get to engage with the community in the build up to Christmas,” he said. “It gives us that appreciation of what we have and how we shouldn’t take our position for granted.
“I’ve been in primary schools helping deliver mental health and wellbeing assemblies and physical activities with pupils. It’s special because a lot of these children have a sporting passion so helping inspire them while putting smiles on their faces is the most important aspect.”
