Phillips: Eyes Are Wide Open
Friday 28 December 2012 8:00 AM
St George Illawarra Dragons lock Blake Phillips has had his eyes wide-opened in relation to what it takes to reach the top.
The Helensburgh junior is in the midst of his first pre-season program with the first-grade train-on squad having graduated from the ranks of the Club’s National Youth Competition team and admits the last six weeks have been nothing less than candid.
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Phillips, 20, admits he has come to terms with the regimental conditioning required in order to become an NRL first-grade player but confesses he has been aided by those who have come before him in doing so.
“It’s been an eye-opener for me realising the conditioning you need to have to play NRL,” said Phillips.
“It’s been tough but a good experience pushing myself with the younger guys.
“It’s been a great step-up and learning curve and I’ve benefitted off the likes of Trent Merrin and Dan Hunt who have both taken me aside at times to show me a few things.
“The boys who have already made the step-up from the Under 20’s have also been giving me some pointers as they’ve been through what I’m going through now.
“I’m trying to take whatever I can from pre-season to help build-up my game.
“I'm grateful to be given that one year extension and want to repay my faith by getting in the best possible shape I can to represent the Club.”