Interim Head Coach has praised the ‘Warrior’ mentality of returning back row forward Shane Lewis-Hughes – just a matter of weeks after the Wales international had a finger amputation.
Lewis-Hughes elected to have surgery earlier this month to help overcome a long-standing finger issue.
The 27-year-old had his ring finger on his right hand amputated to just above the base knuckle following several years having to manage severe issues with his hand.
Less than three weeks later, Lewis-Hughes made his comeback as second half replacement against Cardiff and now starts the New Year’s Day league clash with Scarlets.
“Shane has been awesome for us,” said Tiatia. “He played with a lot of pain for a number of years and was courageous to get his finger amputated.
“He has documented what he has gone through on social media to raise awareness and I’ve got friends who have had fingers amputated because of pain and shared that with him because of the possibility to come back earlier than expected.
“Shane is a warrior and his mentality has been awesome; he is great to work with and is highly motivated to keep improving.”
The Men of Gwent head to Llanelli eager to start 2025 on the front foot and with Tiatia urging them to take a courageous approach to all they do.
“We need to make sure we capitalise on more moments and keep our discipline at key moments of the game, we also have to be courageous with some of the things we are doing,” he said.
“Boxing Day was a game that got away, but the boys are improving in large parts of the game, and I am really proud of their effort from the start to the end.
“I was watching the game live in New Zealand and messaging the coaches; I wasn’t there in body, but I was there with them, screaming and cheering at the screen.
“We just need to keep growing and try to play a style that is the DNA of this group of players and the region.
“There has been a real focus on recovery with a short turnaround. The boys have looked after their bodies and the detail that has been needed for the week,” added Tiatia.
“It’s a local derby, it will be intense, and we are under no illusions about the challenge that is in front of us. We are looking forward to it.”
Shane is a warrior and his mentality has been awesome; he is great to work with and is highly motivated to keep improving...
