Canterbury forward Pat O’Hanlon has not played first grade NRL since a semi-final against the Melbourne Storm in 2014 due to a horrific run of injuries.

But the former Eel says he’s grateful Bulldogs Coach Des Hasler stood by him through the darkest period of his short career.

“It’s basically sink or swim now,” O’Hanlon told NRL.com.

“I’ve been put in a great position by Des; he’s shown a lot of faith in me. To re-sign me, he didn’t have to do that, so now I’m just going to go out there with the mindset of trying to repay him and the club as a whole.

“I’m not too fussed whether or not people know who I am – just as long as I’m back playing good footy and contributing to the team and the organisation. I’ll be happy if I can achieve that.

“The timing couldn’t have been any worse, and for the boys to go on that run to the grand final made it a bit tougher to sit and watch on the sidelines.”

O’Hanlon will return alongside another forgotten man of 2015, former Australian tyro Tony Williams.

“I was happy for the club to get to where they did but it would’ve been a lot sweeter being able to be out there with them. I guess that’s where I want to get back to.

“I’ve always got that driving force there now to try and get back to where I was and hopefully play in a grand final with the boys one day.”