The Newcastle Knights' strength, speed and agility was put to the ultimate test with a high intensity boxing fitness session on Wednesday.
The team ventured to One World Boxing Academy in Newcastle to train in the state of the art facility with its renowned trainers and staff.
"It was really tough and they just kept pushing us, it was good to do something different and get a taste of something new," Dane Gagai said.
"After a couple of minutes of throwing punches, you have to dig deep."
According to the Origin representative, the boxing training was just as much a mental challenge as it was physically testing.
"The whole point of the session was just trying to find that little bit extra...digging deep and working hard for each other," he said.
As the side builds for Monday night's match against the Melbourne Storm, Jake Mamo believes the session will assist the players to head into the game with the right mindset.
"For myself who has never done a lot of boxing in my life, I found it really tough, especially against the bigger and stronger blokes in the team," Mamo said.
"I think it will just bring out a bit of toughness in everyone."
Tyrone Roberts, who is well versed in taking on opponents well above his weight, was grouped in the ring with the side's forwards.
"They were a couple of kilos heavier than me so it was a bit of fun," the halfback said.
"It was a good session and I'm sure the boys got something out of it.
"It just shows the mentality to never give up and always ripping in for the 80 minutes."
According to Knights Performance Director Colin Sanctuary, the aim of the boxing training activity was to push players out of their comfort zone, challenge their physical fitness while testing their mental resiliance and endurance.
"We've tried to come to a different setting and enhance it a bit more. That's why we've come here today," Sanctuary said.
"I don't think Monday night is different to any other game, it's just that wrestle and contact and it's just that work in the ring and constant bombardment, dealing with it and then going again."
