There are many ways a footballer can react to an untimely injury.

Most commonly it’s anger or frustration with a touch of disappointment and sadness. But there’s also the Shane Mumford way. 

It was announced on Monday that the GIANTS' number one ruckman would be sidelined for four weeks after undergoing surgery on his right elbow. 

With the injury history Mumford has had in his 10 years at the highest level, he’d be forgiven for being a little frustrated, but the 30-year-old has met the latest setback with humor and positivity.

“I’d had a bone spur in there that I’d irritated going pretty hard in the gym, doing a few pushups, some extras,” Mumford told GIANTS TV with his trademark cheeky smile.

“Obviously that irritated it and caused the bone spur to become loose.

“Basically the operation was pretty simple, just went in there and took the small piece of bone out.

“So hopefully I’ll get out there in a couple of weeks time.” 

The injury has kept Mumford off the training track for a week but that hasn’t damped his spirits. 

Unlike the ankle and knee injuries of previous years, the injury won’t stop him from running and building on what has been a big preseason so far.

“I think the way I’ve gone through this pre-season, without having too many other little hiccups with knees and ankles, it’s probably the best I’ve been feeling for a long while,” he said. 

“Other than this it’s been a great pre-season to date and I’ve probably done more training this year than I have in previous years, it’s going to put me in good stead. 

“I’ll be running out on the ground on Friday so hopefully it won’t take too long for me to get out with the group.”

The injury has not only hampered Mumford’s preseason but also slightly impacted his home life. 

With a two-month-old son, Oliver, to look after the elbow injury has meant Mumford’s wife Eva has had to pick up the slack. 

“My wife has been a bit upset lately because she’s been having to do a lot more of the carrying than normal,” Mumford said with a laugh. 

“He’s still pretty light at them moment, if he was a bit bigger I’d probably struggle a bit.”

Mumford is expected to return to the field for the back half of the JLT Community Series which begins for the GIANTS on February 18 in Narrandera.