Life lessons teach Lindsay to take nothing for granted

When Lindsay Collins made his Queensland debut three years ago, he felt himself evolving into the big-game player he knew he could be.

But when the Roosters prop was cut down by an ACL injury early the next year, his hard-earned Maroons jersey was left sitting in the cupboard as he trekked the long rehabilitation road to get back on the paddock at the start of 2022.

Since then, life has been a whirlwind of magic Maroon moments, a Kangaroo debut and a standout 2023 season that has him heading into Friday's semi-final against Melbourne as one of the NRL's most in-form and damaging enforcers.

“I feel like I was just getting going after Origin 2020 and coming into the 2021 season I felt like I was having a really good year but I got struck down with the knee,” Collins told NRL.com.

Last year I came back from the injury and I felt like I was playing but not really performing.

Lindsay Collins Roosters prop

“I think I was still finding my feet again a bit but I think like the World Cup was a good foundation for this year.

“Coming into this year it was a bit like, 'OK, let’s go' kind of thing."

Making his Test debut against Scotland at the 2022 World Cup and receiving man of the match in Origin II this year, Collins has quickly made up for lost time.

In 24 games for the Roosters this season he has averaged 112 metres per match and busted 37 tackles, playing a key role in the late charge to the finals.

Coming off the stunning 13-12 triumph over the Sharks, the 27-year-old is confident he’s ‘just getting going’ and is ready to spearhead his side to a win at AAMI Park.

“I think those representative roles, in the World Cup and Origin give you a lot more opportunity and a bit more confidence in your ability as well,” he said.

I think the knee was also big turning point. You can look at it and be like ‘Poor me’ or ‘Why did this happen?' Or you can go ‘Well, what can I get out of this’.

You never lose in life, you either win or you learn. I heard that a little while ago and it’s always stuck with me.

“So I made it a goal to get back to those rep sides and since having those experiences under my belt I feel like I’ve been able to perform and express myself.

“I feel like I’ve just started getting going.”

After the disappointment of missing last year's epic elimination final against Souths due to suspension, Collins was determined to make every minute count against the Sharks.

He made 37 tackles, including a crucial try-saver on Braydon Trindall, and had eight hit-ups during his 60 minutes on the field at Shark Park.

“I’ve been involved in a couple of finals games but that’s got to be the biggest by far,” Collins said.

“I didn’t really realise it until after the game but now that it has sunk in a bit, it was good to see the character of this team come out in that sort of moment.

"We had our backs against the wall and to come out on top like that was pretty crazy.

The win came at a cost for Trent Robinsons’ side with the club announcing on Monday they will be without star outside backs Joseph Suaalii (head knock), centre Billy Smith (jaw) and possibly Golden Boot winner Joey Manu (hamstring) for Friday's game.

They will head to Melbourne as underdogs but Collins has full confidence in the rookies and replacements to handle the finals cauldron.

“We’ve used a lot of our squad this year and blokes that have come into this team have done a good job so it’s another week for us to do our job,” he said.

“All the rookies have been playing good footy for us the last six weeks so they should be getting confidence out of that as well.

“It’s probably something that we need to reiterate this week. I know they’re ready for it.

“Melbourne have been consistent as a club all year and have been in the finals series for a long time so it’s going to be a contest for us and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”