The athletic Kiwi, who was named the Blues’ Supporters’ and Players’ Player or the Year, played the majority of last season playing with a partially dislocated shoulder.
He has had a double dose of surgery this summer and is determined to build on his impressive campaign under new Blues head coach Phil Davies.
“I picked up a foot injury in my first year, which was very disappointing,” said Paterson.
“But I had a fresh start last season and couldn’t have asked for much more. I was delighted with the amount of rugby I had and pretty pleased with how things went for me on the field.
“There has been a lot of change in the off-season. It’s certainly going to be a youthful team next season, with the likes of Martyn Williams, Paul Tito, Deiniol Jones and Maama Molitika all moving on.
“But the young guys have taken the bull by the horns and fronted-up.
“They are really putting the hard work in. Everybody is buying into the new systems that Phil Davies is looking to put in place.
“It’s a tough challenge and we do have a very young side. But, in saying that, we’ve also got experienced players, with guys in the Wales set-up.”
Paterson qualifies for Wales under residency grounds this season and could soon find himself in the international fold.
The Christchurch native admits he would be flattered if Wales came calling but he is determined to focus on regional rugby and life at Cardiff Arms Park.
“You can’t really look too far ahead,” added the 27-year-old. “I’ve had two shoulder operations. First and foremost, my aim is to get back playing and to get back to some of the form I showed last season.
“If that happens, other things look after themselves.
“If an international call-up arises, I think I would have to take it with both hands. But there’s a long way to go and a lot of water to run under the bridge until then. We will see what happens.”
