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Nick Cummins is probably better known for his shock of hair than his rugby right now but that's something the speedster is hoping to change quickly when he makes his Super 14 comeback tonight against the Waikato Chiefs.
After a 21-week lay-off he wants to be noticed for the speed, footwork and finishing that put him firmly on Wallabies coach Robbie Deans' radar last season.
Unfortunately, it was the call from Deans that ultimately ended his 2009 when he was injured on the first day of the Wallabies camp leading into the northern hemisphere tour.
The injury shattered his hopes for Wallaby honours and gave him a 22nd birthday present he certainly didn't ask for. On the opening day of the training camp a player landed on Cummins' left heel, causing damage to the bridge of the foot that needed three screws.
"It wasn't much of a birthday present," said the winger, whose laidback off-field style belies his determination with the ball.
"It was an expensive one and a painful one, but pain is temporary.
"I've put in a lot of hard work since then and if you put in the work you get the results. When I was first injured I was frustrated. I spoke to my old man and discussed a few things, then you get your mum to tell you it's all good.
"The first month I spent on the couch, then I stared crawling, then walking and now I'm running.
"It's full on coming back from something like that and you learn a bit about yourself. I know that going into this match I have to instil in myself that I am fit, healthy and strong.
"Even if your body's natural defence mechanisms are saying 'take it easy', you have to go full on."
Cummins spent more time in the gym, building his upper body strength.
"I'm a bit more confident up top now," he said.
Cummins was touted as one of the game's hottest properties when he moved to Perth in 2007 after rejecting an offer from the Roosters to join the National Rugby League club.
He had represented Queensland Schoolboys and played a season of Randwick colts before being selected for the Australian sevens team, where he was described by the then coach, former Wallaby Glen Ella, as the best sevens prospect since Matt Giteau.
He made his Super 14 Force debut against the Sharks in Durban in 2008, playing nine times, and last year scored two tries in six appearances.
Cummins says he won't be "hanging around" when he hits the paddock tonight. But what about that hair?
"Yeah. She'll hang around a bit longer," he said.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...for-lost-time/
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Was the wait worth it - Ya betta baby 
