Jacob Stockdale is hoping to start building some serious momentum after rebounding from the "toughest year" of his career.
Stockdale scored his first try in two years in Ulster's win over Cardiff earlier this month.
His last before that was in Ireland's colours against Japan way back in July 2021.
Read more: Ulster winger Jacob Stockdale ready for bizarre first in URC
A freak ankle injury in autumn that year derailed the 26-year-old's career for 12 months, and a separate injury on his other ankle further stalled his comeback.
He made just 11 starts in the period between his last two tries, making the significance of his recent touchdown at Cardiff Arms Park greater than the five points it earned Ulster.
Looking back on his injury hell, Stockdale said: “That was the toughest year I have had as a player. It was incredibly frustrating because it was a pretty unusual injury and not many people have re-habbed it or experienced it.
“Then I came back for a couple of games and injured my other ankle, so I would say 2022 as a whole was a pretty frustrating year for me."
The injury-forced absence wasn't all doom and gloom for the 26-year-old.
“Outside of rugby though it was brilliant. I got married and had a baby," he added.
"My daughter is eight months old now. My life has changed incredibly with becoming a dad, a lot more than I expected it to.”
Stockdale's chip-and-chase try in Cardiff was a welcome reminder of the talent and threat posed by the Irish international.
Back in 2018 Stockdale was setting records in the Six Nations, scoring seven tries to be named Player of the Championship.
Stockdale believes he is now back to full fitness, and hopes his recent try is a sign of things to come.
“It had been nearly two years since I last scored a competitive try for Ulster, so it was good to get that off my back,” he said ahead of Ulster's game against the Bulls this Saturday.
“I just felt like it was coming and coming, but I never quite got it. So that was a great feeling. It was a pretty nice way to score it as well.
"I finally feel like I’m now really fit and getting the performances.”
Despite not featuring in any of Ireland's Grand Slam games this year, Stockdale was part of Andy Farrell's squad that claimed an impressive Six Nations title.
With the World Cup lurking on the horizon, Stockdale insists he is up for the challenge as he looks to remain part of Farrell's plans.
“The lads have been flying, performing really, really well. I suppose it’s not necessarily a bad thing that you can’t get into the number one team in the world!” he said.
“It’s an exciting place to be in that squad. I am very appreciative to Andy Farrell for giving me the opportunity to be there and trusting in me.
“I just want to show what I can do in an Ulster jersey over the next couple of months to try and get back into that green jersey come the World Cup.
“I am a lot tougher now than I was a couple of years ago and I think that’s only going to benefit me moving forward. I am feeling good and excited for what the next couple of years hold. There’s lots for me to aim for.”
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