He learned under the best, and now he is implementing the same methods of the best, with Eels coach Stephen Kearney putting the Eels through their paces with a range tough pre-season drills, pushing players to their limit.
Despite the tough physical aspect of the training, the players and Kearney himself, are all reaping the benefits of the training, with several players playing for their contracts either with the Eels or across the NRL.
In an indication as to just how successful Kearney’s training regime has been, new recruit, prop Carl Webb, has shed close to 10 kilos, as he looks to play Origin again in 2011.
The tough approach to training by his former partner in crime, Craig Bellamy and himself, was the driving force behind the Storm’s four straight grand final appearances.
“It worked fairly successfully for us and that was certainly something that I thought would be a great base to work from,” Kearney said.
“I think that’s what the club needed and what would work for us so that’s why it’s in place.”
Kearney has said however, that any similarities to Melbourne cease immediately, and he does not believe that comparisons should be made between the Storm and the Eels about the training regime.
“That’s where I learned my trade I guess you could say but I’m mindful of the personnel that we have at Parramatta,” he said.
“It will be more Parramatta than Melbourne.”‘
The Eels recruitment has no doubt raised eyebrows, with their purchases falling in the category of what many would call ‘recycled players’, and each and every one of them, as well as existing players have been put on notice. If your form is poor, you will be dropped was Kearney’s warning.
“It’s an opportunity for them, guys I guess you could say are on their last chance if you want to call it that,” he said.
“All I can go off is the way they’ve trained this pre-season and I’ve got to say all of them have been outstanding.
“Carl came to us at 117 kilos and he’s under 110 now.
“He obviously wants to make a difference.”