Sheffield Eagles favourite Brad Knowles faces race against time to return this season for Betfred Championship side

The second row, who has become a favourite with the club’s supporters due to his fearless displays, was taken off against Halifax after colliding with a teammate following a tackle and is currently wearing a neck brace.

"It’s nothing I haven’t had before but I knew something wasn’t right straight away,” he said.

“The physio wanted to stretch me off but I’m not a big fan of that.”

Knowles has been told it could be 12 weeks before he’s allowed to resume physical contact but, unsurprisingly, he hopes to be back sooner – if only to avoid being a frustrated spectator.

"I’m sure I’ll be back before then,” the 27-year-old, who has previously played with a cracked rib, added.

“You have just got to be careful with something like this because of where it is. As soon as that pain starts to decrease, I’ll up the ante.

"I don’t like missing training, I don’t like missing games. I don’t like being a guy sitting on the sideline. If I can avoid watching a game, I will because I don’t like it.

"I’ve been down in the dumps, I didn’t like the thought of having to miss not only training but work. I’m an all systems go all the time kind of man, it’s not stopped me from what I do.”

Knowles, now in his third season with Sheffield Eagles has become known for his all-action displays.

"If you go into something half-hearted you are just going to get hurt,” the former Featherstone man said.

"I don’t fear anything or anyone. When it comes to rugby, I know I have got a lot of aggression. I’m just an aggressive person so if I can let it out on a rugby field, I won’t let it out anywhere else."

His dad Paul has also become well known among the Eagles faithful and watches his son regularly.

Knowles junior said his old man has been the biggest influence on his career, which began with Castleford Tigers in their academy.

"He used to play when he was a kid and he’s proud to see me.

"I was ready to finish and he was the one who told me to push on.”