St George Illawarra Dragons second-rower Jacob Host has adeptly described the recently completed first phase of pre-season training as ‘hell’.
The local Renown United junior is in the midst of his third first-grade pre-season training program and has noted how much this one differs to past iterations most notably due to the additional running drills it has entailed.
The Club’s 2015 NYC ‘Player of the Year’ admits it has taken a while for the body to adapt to these new requirements but has mentally pushed-on as have the younger members of the training squad.
“I’ve had to go through hell pretty much as there’s a lot more running than what I am used to but I feel like the body has really adapted and matured,” said Host.
“It’s easily been the hardest pre-season I have done in my life and a massive step-up from last season as well.
“The body is definitely feeling it now but I’m ready to kick-on.
“It’s been different with all the different aspects ad interpretations on how we should train.
“It’s definitely increased the load and a way to condition the bodies so that we don’t really feel fatigued when it comes to the game.
“The younger guys have come to me asking what they should expect and I’ve been giving them some tips here and there telling them to rip in as hard as they can.
“The pre-season is a big opportunity to make ourselves better and that’s what I’ve been saying.
“It will really benefit us and make us better players so it’ll be excited how we rock-up when it comes around to trials.”
