With a full strength squad well and truly back at training and the workload continuing to heat-up ahead of the new season, the boys look to push themselves on the training paddock to perform to the best of their abilities.
Early in the week the first grade squad were put to the test when they worked on their movement mechanics during a session that focused on speed and relaxation.
When Athletic Development Coach Rubin Ruzicka saw this photo of Daniel Tupou's form after taking part in the training drill, he knew it was worth a discussion.
"It's a photo that epitomises the perfect position you want to be hitting when you're moving," he said when discussing the photo.
"The body angle, the knees, where he is on the floor, what his arms are doing.
"He’s nice and relaxed, it looks powerful, it looks strong, it looks right."
It looks right
Rubin Ruzicka Athletic Development Coach
He would go on to explain further what was happening at the time on the training paddock as well as the day's theme.
"We were running and doing hurdles, so the Coaching staff were looking for lift, snap off the floor and ground contact.
"The theme for the day was relaxation and speed during movement, so it wasn’t done at full speed as they were focusing on relaxing while running, as well as smoothness and timing."
Rubin is well aware that first grade rugby league players already know how to move well, but there is always room for improvement.
"These guys are fantastic, they’re potentially the fittest athletes in Australia.
"At the same time though, you’re never the best you can be and there’s always room for improvement.
"Toops is a good mover, so we want to give him some extra tools for his already established toolbox."
It's not a case of the more tools the merrier when it comes to pressure situations, but rather having a few constructive ones to use when it's necessary.
"In times of need, we want guys to dig into their toolbox."
"For example, when your body is under duress and you make a break, you need to be able to think.
"We want these guys to have constructive tools in their toolbox, so in those situations they think things like relaxing their shoulders or lifting their knees.
"There is a technical benefit to having a few things to think about in pressure situations, and we want those things to be constructive."
