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Breakers star Kirk Penney - Source: Photosport -
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Breakers star Kirk Penney has waited six long weeks for this moment, and he's determined to make his mark.
Penney has been given the all-clear for a return action against the Cairns Taipans this Thursday night after missing nine games with muscle tears in his lower back.
It's been a gruelling and frustrating rehabilitation which tested the sharp-shooter's limits and desire.
But the reigning league MVP told ONE News on Tuesday that his body is feeling great and he's excited about the prospect of rejoining his team-mates on court.
"I can do everything that I could do, I've had no pain for about two weeks," he said.
"It's been something of patience and frustration. I think I've come a long way strength wise.
"I have every intention of being at my best this Thursday."
Penney's time on the sideline also uncovered imbalance issues in his body that he has been working hard to remedy.
"I'm ahead of where I was mentally, it's just up to the body to make sure it's in the right place as well.
"I'm moving a lot better than I thought I would, the extra week off while the boys were in Queensland was a smart move."
Penney's return will be a welcome addition for point guard CJ Bruton, who has been shouldering a tonne of pressure over the past six weeks.
Bruton has been hammered at both ends of the floor as his side's 'go-to guy' but can now relax a little with his fellow star back in the line-up.
Coach Andrej Lemanis will start Penney off the bench to give him some time to assess the game first.
"I think any time you miss six or seven weeks it takes a little time to get back up to game speed," Lemanis said.
"We'll work him back in bit by bit and allow him time. He's in pretty good shape, he just needs some extra game time."
Follow this story to ONE News at 6pm. Andrew Morrison speaks to Kirk Penney at Breakers' training.
