No mental scars for Robinson ahead of NRLW return

Injured Brisbane Broncos winger Julia Robinson is confident she'll be fit for the start of the NRL Holden Women's Premiership after suffering a horrific leg injury in May.

Robinson has been forced to sit on the sidelines and watch her teammates embark on a busy women's calendar after breaking her leg in two places and shifting her ankle joints in the process during a club match three months ago.

The breakout star, who made a name for herself last season in the inaugural NRLW competition, is on track to return to the field following a four-month layoff that included extensive surgery. 

"I pulled my whole tibia from my fibula so it was a good one," Robinson told NRL.com from the Gold Coast, where a Jillaroos squad are attending an elite training camp.

"I didn't hear a snap or break people probably usually hear. I didn't think I broke anything but rather just sprained it. Then I couldn't lift my leg up and I thought this could be worse.

"I've been doing physio with the army and the Broncos have looked after me well. I've been cleared to start running again. I'm on the anti-gravity treadmill (Alter G) but getting there.

"It just depends when we get to the six-week mark coming up with running but I'm confident in my return."

The Broncos didn't hesitate to offer Robinson a new contract despite continuing to rehabilitate the injury.

The bubbly character laughed off any suggestions she may struggle with the mental aspect of returning from such a long-term setback.

"I've been relatively injury free my whole career, it was the first time I had surgery and couldn't do anything for a long time," Robinson said.

"I'm more just keen to get back, I'm not worried. People say the mental side is the biggest part but it's just a sport, everyone gets injured and you just have to ensure you do proper training and you'll be fine."

If fit, Robinson is an almost shoo-in for Jillaroos selection in the inaugural NRL Nines tournament to be played at Bankwest Stadium in October.

The Army employee wants to retain her position in Test side too after making her international debut against the Kiwi Ferns last year.

"I was a little bit worried about how I may play this year because I had such a good year last year," Robinson said.

"I've tried to not think about it too much but I've still got goals to be better and I want to play in the Test match again and Nines. But we'll see how we go in the NRLW again."