Imagine playing five months with a decimated shoulder at 16 years of age.
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That's what Hawks' twins Marlin and Mason Pollack did in 2018 as they both sustained serious injuries at different stages of their seasons - both of which required surgery.
Mason's injury occurred during an under 16s match for Bloomfield, while Marlin hurt his playing up an age for Western Rams' under 18s.
It took them a while to take their physio's advice but after finishing up their campaigns they both went under the knife for repairs last year, Mason for a bone break and ligament tears in February and Marlin for a torn labrum in June.
"We both knew deep down we needed the surgery," Marlin said.
"Every week we'd be in pain and just strap it up and then ice after the game."
It was all well and good for the boys to get treatment four times a week at the physio but after a while, the bills started to pile up on their parents, making surgery the only option.
Mason and Marlin spent 12 and nine months on the sidelines, respectively, but have both come out of the gates hard in 2020, each playing multiple games for Rams' under 18s already.
"Our shoulders are feeling good," Marlin said.
"We didn't miss a day of rehab. We just wanted to get back onto the field."
Both boys plan on finishing their Western campaigns in style before lacing up the boots for another winter at Orange Hawks.
Even though they're both only 17, Mar and Mase have their sights set on at least one appearance for Willie Heta's top flight side.
Our plan is to just be consistent with the Rams and hopefully get picked back up by them or even another club.
- Marlin Pollack
"I've been training with first grade," Marlin said.
"Last year we probably could have had a crack but we did our shoulders. We were looking to sit on the bench for a few games."
Before the injury bug hit in 2018, both boys inked two-year deals with the Penrith Panthers and despite missing the bulk of that time with injuries, their goals are both very similar - sign another contract.
"Our plan is to just be consistent with the Rams and hopefully get picked back up by them or even another club," Marlin said.
Marlin has been named at lock on Sunday for Western's game against Greater Southern Region while Mason's missing the clash due to knee soreness.
Kick-off is at 11am at Blayney.
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