The half-back flanker was not seen during the JLT series after a stress reaction in his back was found following AFLX. Williamson said it was an unfortunate start to the year but he is working hard to get back on the field.

“I have had a bit of a hiccup and it is disappointing to miss the first game of the season,” he said.

“I think the current injury is linked to the one I got last year but it was only recently discovered.

“I only found it quite late after the AFLX game, got it scanned and just been trying to do everything I can to get it right since then.”

While the injury will force a late start to the season, Williamson had a full preseason with a focus on strengthening his body for the rigours of an AFL season.

Williamson has added more than six kilograms since joining the Blues.

He said he feels a lot stronger and focused on maintaining his aerobic capacity while adding the extra muscle.

“There is going to be an opening for when I do come back, hopefully if I do everything right I can get back out there soon and play my role,” he said.

“I was feeling really strong and confident about the year ahead, with the AFLX I was pretty happy with how it went and I took a lot of confidence out of the game play we did during the preseason.

“I have got my things I am still working on, but the coaching philosophy is to focus on the strengths and things I am good and so I have been doing that.”

With the season officially underway, he said morale is high around the club with finals certainly on the radar.

“It is very exciting, everyone is on the edge of their seat for the season,” he said.

“We are really confident that we have put in the work and if we do the things we have done over the preseason, then we can put scores on the board.

“If our defence can continue to hold up, then finals are definitely a chance.”

This time in 2017, Williamson was hoping just to get a senior game during the season but after playing 15 games in his debut season, he is again keeping his goals simple for 2018.

“Initially it is just to get back out there,” he said.

“I am doing a lot of rehab at the club then once I am fit and healthy, it is more just about building that consistency that makes you a really strong player in the AFL.”

Williamson is continuing to grow as a player with his leadership skills also being put to the test in the preseason.

“We have had Cillian McDaid from Ireland who is a rookie and I have been working closely with along with Angus Schumacher who has come in as a defender,” Williamson said. “It is something I have loved and hopefully I can continue and become a leader in the future.”