Former Test opener Phil Jaques has declared he is completely over the back problems that threatened to end his career after making a successful return to the NSW ranks following a nine month lay-off.
Jaques missed the back-end of the 2008/9 domestic season to undergo his third bout of back surgery in an all-or-nothing bid to return to top level cricket.
After scoring heavily in grade cricket, the hard-hitting left-hander put aside a rare case of nerves to carve out an even half-century in his comeback match as NSW easily accounted for Western Australia in Sunday's Ford Ranger Cup match.
"I had a few butterflies, that's for sure," Jaques said after the game.
"I think fielding (first) probably got them out of the way."
"It was good to run around. I felt like I was pain free."
"It was fantastic, really good fun out there. I just love being back playing."
Doctors have told Jaques he should not experience any further pain or discomfort following the latest round of surgery.
"While ever I do my recoveries and look after it, it's going to be fine," he said.
"It feels really good. I've played a four-day game, a second XI (match), a few weeks ago and it pulled up really well."
"I don't why it's going to be an issue at all. It's in the past and (we) move on."
Jaques' injury woes have stalled what was developing into a promising international career.
While he is determined to force his way back into Australia colours, it will be one step at a time in the baggy blue cap of NSW.
"That's got to be my focus," he said.
"I just tried to be positive and build some momentum for the boys (on Sunday)."
"It was a good, positive start for us."
"Hopefully we can keep the ball rolling and keep the momentum from the Champions League into all forms of the game."
The Blues, bottom of the FRC table for three consecutive seasons, totally outplayed Western Australia.
After knocking the Warriors over for 179, the hosts made short work of hauling in the modest target on tiny North Sydney Oval.
Jaques made 50, Phil Hughes top scored with 72 not out and Steve Smith contributed a brisk 31 to secure a bonus point win.
"We felt 250 was going to be a reasonable total given the wicket was quiet slow and we were in the position to do that around the 25th over, but it went pear-shaped between (the) 29th and 33rd overs where we lost four wickets for not too many," WA coach Tom Moody lamented.
The Warriors have just two days to recover before taking on NSW in the Sheffield Shield at the SCG from Tuesday.