WARWICK Cowboys forward Garry Ellery may go down in history as the first footballer to spend three months touring Europe in the off-season and not balloon in weight.

Ellery, with girlfriend Dani McKenzie, travelled to his home country England to see his family before heading to Europe.

He didn't train on tour except for a few short runs.

"I weighed myself when I returned last week and was still at 102 kilograms," he said.

Ellery was working hard at Warwick Cowboys training on Tuesday night in preparation for his return to the field against Gatton at Father Ranger Oval on Sunday.

He is in the front row and reckons he will last 40 to 45 minutes in his first game back.

"I am going to the gym and reckon I will be three weeks getting match-fit," Ellery said.

A forward who has all the skills, Ellery scored three tries in his first game for the Cowboys in 2011 and now has a visa to stay for the next two years.

As for representative footy, he won't say no, but at this stage wants to get back in the swing of things with the Cowboys A-grade side.

"If it comes along, fine, but my major concern must be how I play with the Cowboys," he said.

He won't be sleeping in on weekdays any time soon.

Ellery was back at work at Carey Brothers Abattoir at 5am Tuesday before backing up later in the day for training.

He will be one of three players from England in the A-grade combination.

The first game on Sunday will be the clash between the unbeaten Cowboys under-18 side and Gatton.

One of the stars of the under-18 side is Jamie Abbas who will be lining up in A-grade on Sunday.

Gatton is one of the form A-grade sides in the competition.

There was no footy at Easter so all players will be lining up for the first time in a fortnight.