Skills…. Technique…. Fitness! These are the attributes rugby league players have to perfect coming into season.
But just as important is their diet.
For big man Daniel Saifiti, this is one area he’s been focused on.
While the 22-year-old has been working hard to ensure his ability on the field, he’s also paid close attention to what needs to be right off the field.
“It was more off-field stuff I needed to do, getting my diet right,” Saifiti explained.
"We physically rolled them for a fair period": Brown's good with the bad
“Pre-season is hard but if you’re not eating right you go two steps forward, two steps backwards.
“My attack has been up there but being a big guy, my movement in defence has been a bit slow.”
Be The Player: Week 15
The imposing forward had surgery on his foot in the off-season, which contributed to a few extra unwanted kilos.
That meant he had to work extra hard to get back to his best form.
The young forward lost nearly eight kilograms and at 118kg now feels the fittest he’s ever been.
“Feel like I have put on lean muscle,” Saifiti added.
A star in the making: Youngsters get a taste of NRL
“Getting my diet right off the field, and the weight just dropped off.
“It’s about getting my movement right and doing those extras that will give me a good shot of making the 17 round 1.”