Broncos winger Jordan Kahu has revealed the groin injury that prevented him from undertaking his goal-kicking duties in Brisbane's last-start victory over the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks is something he has been battling for four months of the season.
Kahu first hurt his groin in Brisbane's Round 7 victory over the Gold Coast Titans back in April and given his lengthy injury history the 26-year-old has been very cautious in his recovery.
This has included relinquishing his favourite role, with five-eighth Anthony Milford often taking over the goal-kicking if Kahu does not feel confident in putting his niggling injury through the stresses of kicking.
It is a smart move by Kahu whose body has a history of letting him down, with three serious knee injuries plaguing the early stages of his career.
This chequered past has created obvious doubts in Kahu's mind, but he is still confident he can see out the season and manage his injury heading towards the finals.
"I hurt it in the first Titans game. It's been sore for close to 20 rounds of the season," Kahu said.
"It's just something I've tried to keep on top off. I'm not too sure what the actual diagnosis is but all I know is that it's pretty sore.
"It is something I have to maintain. It flares up every now and then, and it's been pretty sore over the last week.
"I'm just trying to give it as much rest as I can without kicking. I had Monday off so that helped."
Kahu is unsure if he will kick goals on Friday night when his side takes on the St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium, with versatile back saying it will be a match-day decision.
If unavailable, Milford will again do his best after kicking six goals from his nine attempts against the Sharks.
"It's frustrating not kicking goals. I was pretty gutted against the Sharks when I couldn't. It was something I left right up until the start of the game. I love that role in the team," Kahu said.
"In saying that, I thought Milford did a great job stepping up at such late notice. I didn't want to try and kick but then hurt it because that would put more pressure on the team."
Although confident he can get through the year, Kahu told NRL.com that his groin complaint has been affecting his form.
"I'm probably not where I want to be if I'm honest. I think last year and the year before I was performing at a higher standard," he said.
"I'm not 100 per cent confident in the way I've been playing. I've just been doing my job. I want to be doing more than that.
"A lot of it is to do with my body. When my body is feeling good then I can 100 per cent back myself. It has been holding me back for most of the year.
"I've been trying my best and giving it all but it has been hindering my performance a little bit."
Kahu has been named to start on Brisbane's wing for Friday's clash and he is hopeful he can add to the seven tries he has scored this year.
