By Nathan Davis
St George Illawarra Dragons fullback Adam Quinlan is adamant the changes to the squad’s pre-season program have not gone unnoticed by his playing peers.
The Culburra Dolphins junior admits that the modification of the squad’s training equipment including a renovated gymnasium and installed altitude chamber have been embraced by all amongst the squad as too the new on-field training sessions.
Quinlan admits that each player has been instilled with belief on the benefits of onfield consistency as well as what can be achieved together as a playing group.
“Pre-seasons are always hard, and this year is no different as it’s what we are doing that makes this year unique,” said Quinlan.
“We are doing a lot more with the ball now. We are doing a lot of our fitness with the ball in our hands so that has been good.
“I think it will benefit us a lot once the new season starts.
“What happens is that you’re playing under fatigue during the games, and we are working on that now.
“We will be able to play at our best for longer.
“Our backline will be outstanding. We got a few new recruits, and some internationals who haven’t come back yet, I can’t wait until the whole line is training together.
“Players like Benji Marshall; he will always impress you, he’s a freak.
“Then we got players coming up from the NYC, Shannon Crook, Euan Aitken and Drew Hutchinson, they have all been so impressive at training.
“It’s going to be hard to get a spot there.
“There are now blokes younger than me in the side, and they have all been outstanding so far.
“We definitely have a bright future ahead of us.
“Playing first grade last year was really valuable for me as I didn’t expect to play too many games but I was fortunate enough to run out a few times and hopefully I can keep going in that direction.
“I was a bit up and down with my form this year.
“I’m only young so I got a lot to work on, and that what I’m working on this preseason and hopefully that transpires over into next year.”
