Interview: Cory Denniss
When he made his NRL debut back in 2016, an 18-year-old Cory Denniss had plenty of height but not quite enough weight to his frame.
Fast forward nearly two years and training with the nib Newcastle Knights’ top squad has seemingly paid off for the young outside back, who is showing positive gains on and off the field.
The local junior admits hard work and persistence in the gym has led to noticeable improvements.
He now weighs in at 99 kilograms, standing at 193 centimetres.
“I’ve put on a good couple of kilos and definitely strength wise I’m a lot stronger than I was at the start of the pre-season, so I’ve just got to keep working hard at that,” Denniss told Knights TV.
“On the field I have been able to maintain my fitness levels... they could always improve but to hold them and put on a bit of weight is good.
“It’s a lot more intense, people are pushing each other, no one is taking it easy in a bid to better ourselves.”
I’ve put on a good couple of kilos and definitely strength wise I’m a lot stronger than I was...
Cory Denniss Outside back
As it gets closer to season kick-off, the athletic centre maintains he’s wants to ensure he’s at his peak come Round 1.
Although versatile, Denniss is keen to lock down the centre spot in Reserve Grade in 2018 and has plenty of experienced talent to learn from.
“I’m happy to play wherever... but centre is probably my preferred position,” he explained.
“Tautau (Moga) has been a good help, he's obviously very experienced and comes from a good system in Brisbane and whenever I’ve got the chance, I’m sitting down listening to what he has to say and getting tips off him.
“Compared to last season, there’s a lot more competition for outside back spots which is good for everyone, it makes everyone work harder.
“There’s a few big bodies there, Tautau and SKD (Shaun Kenny-Dowall) and it’s great competition.
“Anyone that doesn’t make first grade and drops back to Reserve Grade, they’ll all be playing hard to get back up into the top squad so it’s going to be a very strong team.”
