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WESTERN Force winger Cameron Shepherd says if it wasn't for the club and its management he would have never reached his 50th Super Rugby game for the WA team.
Shepherd will earn his 50th cap this weekend when the Force tackle the Blues, and Shepherd admits his off-field indiscretions could have cost him his career.
"It's been a pretty tough road for me over the last couple of years for a couple of reasons,'' he said.
"But it's a really proud moment for me, playing 50 for the Force. I've made a home here in Perth and I love this club.''
The 26-year-old former Wallaby has been cursed with injuries since moving to WA, often restricting him to single figure games per season.
But he has also been embroiled in two drink-driving incidents, one in December last year which threatened to end his career.
The Force pin-up boy, however, has bounced back under the guidance of new coach Richard Graham, and says physically he's feeling top-notch.
"It has been hard recently, but the lucky thing is I have had the support of the Force, all the players, staff and management which was amazing,'' Shepherd said.
"I got the help I needed and I feel like I'm in good physical shape.
"I'm loving the structure and direction of the club, and I've been so impressed with the young guys coming through.''
Shepherd also said the hope of playing in this year's rugby World Cup would also be a driving factor to keep his career on the straight and narrow.
Force's No.8 Richard Brown will also play his 50th match for the club this weekend against Blues.
Brown said he never imagined he'd notch up the milestone.
"I've been here a long time, but didn't think I'd get here to this moment - but it is important.''
http://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/rug...-1226017947207
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Originally Posted by blueandblack
...and making sure the water botles are full, and keeping the bench company...LOL!!! Hope our Captain won't be distracted...He's a professional ...ofcourse he won't...LOL!! 
