Why Melbourne Storm star Will Warbrick feared his NRL career was over – ‘mind was going a bit wild’

Melbourne Storm winger Will Warbrick has revealed he feared his NRL career was over due to repeated concussion symptoms.

But ahead of a home preliminary final at AAMI Park – and possible grand final redemption – the Kiwi international, 27, has a clean bill of health.

It hasn’t been easy – Warbrick has played only five NRL games this season, missing five months of action that included not being able to train.

The cross-code star had no choice but to be patient.

‘Honestly, I don’t know why it took so long,’ he told reporters ahead of Friday’s showdown with Cronulla.

‘Man, it’s a funny old thing, the brain. It’s pretty precious and delicate, and I probably had a few more questions than answers.

Melbourne Storm winger Will Warbrick has revealed he feared his NRL career was over due to repeated concussion symptoms

The cross-code star, 27, has only featured in five NRL games this season, but is now chasing his second career Grand Final appearance

‘You know, when days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, you start having these doubts and thoughts lingering.

‘There’s the physical standpoint of the recovery, and there’s also the mental aspect and the wellbeing aspect. It really took a toll.’

Warbrick admitted his mind was ‘going a bit wild and searching for answers’ and when he couldn’t find them, thoughts to a post footy career followed.

‘You also see, unfortunately, other athletes have been in the similar position where they’ve had to call it,’ he said.

‘And when you see things like that happening, it’s easy to sort of put yourself in their position. So look, it was a challenge.

‘And I’ve definitely learned a lot about myself from those times, and I think it changed me as a person, but I’m better for it.’

The support of club medical staff, coaches and teammates was crucial to Warbrick’s comeback that could end with a premiership ring in early October.

‘The professionals here, the doctors, the medical experts I spoke to…they had the confidence I would return,’ he said.

‘It was probably not something I would have got through without the support of the club. The people here, also my family, and now I’m feeling pretty good.’