The 29 year old prop out in another sterling season's work in 2011-12 and was on the verge of making his 200th competitive appearance for the club when he was injured at Leicester in March.
However, he had already done more than enough to be voted Player of the Season by the club's season ticket holders and was presented with his award following the Sale game last weekend.
And, Tuesday morning saw Nick named on the short list for Aviva Premiership Player of the Season.
Being recognised by both the club's supporters and also a panel of experts in the space of a few days had been a welcome boost he admitted on top of positive news with regard to his rehab.
"In the dark days of being injured it has been a great few days, with receiving the supporters' award and now with this nomination.
"And a third boost has been the fact that I have been able to start weight-bearing sessions this week.
"I am out of the sling now after wearing it for six weeks, and that has definitely helped lift my mood.
"And then to receive these accolades as well, it's fantastic.
"I am very honoured to be nominated for the Aviva award, and to be voted the Gloucester supporters' player of the year too.
"The supporters are the people who come and watch you play week-in, week-out, through fair times and poor, and for them to consider me worthy of such an award is special.
"That's a trophy that will take pride of place at home and I can keep that and look back on that with pride in years to come."
