But the 24-year-old says he’s confident it won’t affect his work with the willow as the in-form batsman looks to help the Bluebags secure the Douglas Cup minor premiership against ANU starting this weekend.

Queanbeyan can lock up top spot on the two-day standings with victory against the students with a final round match against Eastlake up their sleeves.

Curtale has produced several crucial contributions for the Bluebags in recent weeks with the Cowra product proving the lynchpin of Queanbeyan’s lower order.

It’s been a welcome return to form for Curtale who struggled initially after returning from the unusual back ailment that has thus far escaped any form of diagnosis.

“They still don’t know what the actual problem is,” Curtale said. “The first time I hurt it in my sleep and another time I wasn’t doing anything at all so it’s a bit of a mystery.

“Some mornings when I get out of bed I’m still a bit stiff and sore but once I get moving it’s fine.

“I wouldn’t say it’s been holding me back. Just getting back into it I had a pretty slow start to the season but I’ve found a little bit of form lately so touch wood it stays that way.”

While Queanbeyan’s finals spot in the two-day format is already all-but secure, the Bluebags face a tough run home.

After rain saved the side from almost certain defeat against second placed Western District UC last weekend, Queanbeyan will face fellow top four sides ANU and Eastlake over the final two weeks.

“It’s going to be a bit of a challenge but it’ll be good to see where we’re at,” Curtale said. “It’s good for the boys to test themselves at this time of the year.

“We want to be playing tough cricket because we know when it gets to [finals] that’s what we’re going to get so I’m pretty happy to be playing the top sides.” 

Douglas Cup

Who: Queanbeyan v ANU

Where: Freebody Oval

When: 11am