Cale, who suffered the injury during this year’s preseason, said yesterday his surgeon had declared the operation a success and expected him to be available to start training in the New Year.

“I needed to have an operation if I was going to be any chance of playing on and from all reports it went well,” Cale said.

“I’m keen to play if it comes up OK. I was no chance if I didn’t get it done.

“It was a battle at times this year and I generally only played 40 to 50 minutes so hopefully I’m on the mend.”

Cale was one of Albury’s leading performers in its premiership season despite the injury and saved his most impressive performance for the grand final against Southcity at Wagga’s Equex Centre.

He scored the first try of the match against the Bulls and off-loaded a match-winning pass in the dying minutes to secure the 36-26 win.

Meanwhile, Group 9 officials are continuing to explore the option of holding a Saturday night grand final next season.

The move to look at shifting from the Sunday time comes after the Group 9 and Riverina Football League grand finals clashed in September, causing a shortfall in gate takings for both.

League secretary Warren Barclay said all options would be explored.

“We will have a good look at it,” Barclay said.

Meanwhile, the Group 9 season will kick off on Saturday, April 27.