League: The man who has the Warriors in their best shape ever

Ben Matulino of the Warriors. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Head trainer Balin Cupples transforming players with ‘work now, rest later’ mantra

Ben Matulino is in career-best shape and making big gains in the gym. His propping partner Jacob Lillyman's leg strength is better than ever.

In the first two months of pre-season, five-eighth Chad Townsend ran 50km more than he had at the same stage the year before.

The Warriors have often been accused of being unfit. Back in 2004 under Daniel Anderson, the Warriors went for bulk over mobility. Instead of dominating sides physically they often ran out of puff and finished second last on the ladder.

Under Brian McClennan in 2012 (14th), and Matt Elliott in 2013 (11th) there were similar seasons results wise and in both cases the players' conditioning came under question.

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The last quarter of games has often been the undoing of the Warriors in recent years but it's an area they hope to turn into strength this year.

Throughout the preseason, the players have been making all the right noises about improving their work ethic and training methods, and new head trainer Balin Cupples is the man transforming them into a side that competes for 80 minutes.

"We've got a goal this year to improve our last quarter of the match," Cupples explained. "We've upped our running volume along and are just trying to really nail the basics, the 10 per centers of performance, in terms of running, recovery, nutrition, and sleep.

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"We've really spoken about being that 24-hour athlete and being professional in everything they do."

Over the summer players have told stories of the increased amounts of running and lifting they have been subjected to. But rather than complain, they have spoken proudly of new personal bests and understand the extra work will help them as the season progresses.

"Your head trainer is almost as important as your coach and he and Cappy [McFadden] work well alongside each other," said captain Simon Mannering. "We've got a really good conditioning staff with Dane Norton, Ruben Wiki and Brad Morris and Balin's really added to that."

Cupples has all the players buying into his slogans - "work now, rest later" and "front load your energy and the rewards will come" - philosophies they adhere to in training and games.

"That's a fair part of the goal in creating that last quarter mentality and having a side that can play the 80 minutes," Cupples said.

"At key times in NRL games it is a grind and the grind can go for eight to 10 minutes of set for set and the team that can deal with that the best normally comes out on top. Hopefully we see the benefits of that over the next five to 10 weeks."

Since arriving at the club in November, Cupples has shown the players what gains are possible.

"Both the younger and senior players are reaching levels they've never hit before. They've gained a lot of confidence from that.

"Some of these guys are going to be a 12- to 36-month project to get them where I think they can be."