JASON Crookes says he's put a turbulent 18 months at Hull FC behind him as he bids to finally make his mark at the club.
Crookes was a bystander for a large part of last season through injury and personal issues which brought a court appearance.
Having lost his place to Tom Lineham, the former Bradford Bulls man started this year with a new determination, only to see another injury, this time to his shoulder, derail his chances of regaining his wing berth.
Now fully fit and with two games under his belt, Crookes is targeting a long run in the side and a first-ever derby appearance this week.
"I was cursing my luck last year because when I started here I thought I was going all right and then I got a little injury which kept me out," said Crookes.
"Off the field it wasn't too good for me also but I put all that behind me at the end of last year and in pre-season I was doing well until the shoulder injury.
"I'm hoping all those things are behind me now and I can kick on.
"I've not played in a derby yet and I am really looking forward to it. I like the Magic Weekend, it's refreshing playing somewhere different."
With Lineham nearing a return to full fitness and Liam Colbon also knocking on the door, Crookes knows the pressure is on to keep his place, but it's pressure he's relishing after months of frustration.
"When I got injured in pre-season I struggled because I'd worked my socks off to get that starting spot," added Crookes.
"I knew with the players we had coming in I needed to work even harder and I'd done that, so getting injured was tough to take, but I've worked hard to get back and I'm feeling good now."
