ATELEA Vea’s return from injury could not be more timely and the Saints giant says it’s good to be back.

A try on his return off the bench against Hull KR, following a four-month lay-off, puts him in contention for his first Challenge Cup semi-final appearance tomorrow, Friday, and gives Keiron Cunningham additional pack strength for the start of the Super 8s next weekend.

The giant Sydney-born Tongan international enjoyed a blistering start to his Saints career until he picked up a shoulder injury in March, and now he is glad to be back in the frame for a competition he admits to knowing little about before arriving at former club London Broncos from St George Illawarra Dragons last year.

He said: “It wasn’t until I came to England that I realised how important the Challenge Cup is and how much it means. It’s not something I grew up knowing to be honest.

“I don’t think I fully understood it until I got here and now I’m all for it. I’ve jumped on board and know what it means to these guys and the coaching staff in Keiron Cunningham and Sean Long.

“I know what they’ve done to get through this far and when the coaching staff talk about the cup it is something that you want.

“I got to go down to Wembley and watch last year’s final and at the time had an inkling that I could one day be there so that’s something I was excited about.”

The 28-year-old forward was pleased with his comeback performance after some ‘dark days’ in rehab.

“I was gutted when I got injured and I felt I was starting to really find my place with the team and I felt like I was contributing where I could,” said Vea.

“Unfortunately there are different parts to rugby league and rehab is one of them. It’s not ideal to get injured and rehab takes you to some dark places you find yourself in. “The plan now is to try and find that form again and keep up to pace.

“I felt good (against Hull KR). I think it was about getting that first one out of the way and I’m happy that’s done now.

“I got a sneaky little try too and you always take those ones. Working with Travis, we built up a nice combination before I got injured so I’m hoping it’s a good sign and we haven’t lost too much of that in the time I’ve been away.

“I’ve done a lot of work in rehab and I’m always going to push and make it hard for the coach to pick his side.”

Vea’s early-season performances saw him become an instant hit with the Saints fans and he says he is enjoying his first season with the club, despite the injury disruption.

“Things are awesome off the field,” he said.

“I still remember my first game for Saints and the fans were awesome. I’ve been away for a long time and they welcomed me back again with open arms.

“That’s special and it feels good, especially when you’re struggling. There were a couple of times on Friday when I was on my haunches, and they gave me a little boost and that’s always welcome.”