Coltman (28) is coming off a nasty ankle injury which ruled him out for all of Otago’s season last year and disrupted his pre-season with the Highlanders.
But every cloud has a silver lining.
Time on the sideline led to more hours with baby daughter Tilly.
"I’m not sure if any injury is any good. In that time I had a wee one and that has changed your perspective on everything," he said.
"There is never a good timing for injury. I enjoyed it and got to do a few different things. I got to spend some time with the little one which is a bit of a rarity for a rugby player these days."
Tilly is coming up 6 months, the first child for him and his wife Aleisha. He admits he has got the nappy changing down to a fine art.
After being on the rugby grind for many years now, Coltman said the six months away from rugby also helped his physical shape.
"Six months of not doing anything major contact-wise then your body is going to feel good and ready to go.
"I’m just looking to have fun. Being out for six months you do miss it. I’m just focused on the Highlanders and playing well.
"You just miss all the boys. You have a good laugh when you come in here. If you have had a lack of sleep with the bubs you can come in here and have a bit of laugh with the boys."
Coltman has a big assignment tonight being part of a Highlanders pack which has to get on top of the Hurricanes.
Much is made of both sides and their backlines but the forward packs are not there to simply make up the numbers.
Coltman is sure to be the fore and he was a key last week in the Highlanders effort, making big metres and hitting hard on defence.
The one-test hooker is wary of a Hurricanes side which packs plenty of talent.
"They are dangerous across the whole park. They’ve got some great athletes in their team and it is going to be a big one. We just have to be ready for it."
As a side the Highlanders have confidence after starting with three wins.But the team gets to play its first game away from home which is also that bit tougher.
The Hurricanes will be motivated by halfback TJ Perenara bringing up his 100th game for the franchise. The halfback has scored 45 tries in 99 games, which is a great record, and he will have to be watched by the Highlanders defence.
The home team has dangerous backs all over the park and winger Ben Lam has been in good form.
Gareth Evans, who racked up 35 caps for the Highlanders, will pack down at No8 for the Hurricanes tonight.
The Highlanders have fond memories of Westpac Stadium, having won the 2015 final at the venue.
Just six players remain from that team — the two Smiths, Lima Sopoaga, Coltman, Waisake Naholo and Elliot Dixon.
The side has lost twice in Wellington since that final.
Rain is forecast for Wellington this afternoon but it may clear in the evening.
Super Rugby
Wellington, today, 7.35pm
Highlanders: Ben Smith (captain), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Aki Seiuli, Siate Tokolahi, Shannon Frizell, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Kayne Hammington, Josh Ioane, Matt Faddes.
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Julian Savea, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Gareth Evans, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields (captain), Sam Lousi, Murray Douglas, Ben May, Ricky Riccitelli, Chris Eves. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Fraser Armstrong, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Michael Fatialofa, Reed Prinsep, Richard Judd, Ihaia West, Vince Aso.
Referee: Mike Fraser (Wellington)