Dyldam Parramatta Eels halfback Chris Sandow has kicked off 2015 in the best shape of his career thanks to Head Coach Brad Arthur.
The recently appointed Auckland Nines captain has been inspired by the work ethic shown by Arthur’s personal fitness regime and the live-wire footballer has returned to pre-season training after the Christmas break with plenty of motivation and energy.
“I think it is a bit of a reward,” Sandow said after being given the honour to captain the Blue and Gold in the Auckland Nines.
“I have trained really well in the off-season and the boys are spinning out at how I came back from our two-week break over Christmas.”
“I came back the lightest I have been since a two week break in previous years so I am really happy with that and it just goes back to how bad I want it.”
Sandow knows the importance of being one of the oldest members in the Eels squad and he has set a high standard to keep working on his game and playing well to lead the younger players coming through.
“I was always captain growing up as a kid but then when I came in the grade I was always in the backs but I have worked really hard on my game over the years and it is starting to pay off.”
“I’m enjoying my footy. I come to training like a little kid, I’m looking to work really hard with the boys and the boys know that.”
When asked what clicked it for him, Sandow said that coach Brad Arthur has had a major influence in his lifestyle change over the two-week break.
“He goes for his early jogs in the morning before he comes training. Brad, being an older guy and a coach, he’s setting a good example, so I took that on board in my own head and am trying to stay on top of things.”
“I pretty much just ate the right food and went for little jogs and just staying on top of things I have been eating.”
And as Sandow enters into the final year of his current contract with the Eels, the half was determined to let his football do the talking knowing that the rest would sort itself out.
“I’m just letting my training and my footy do the talking at the moment,” Sandow said.
“I would love to stay here. We’re building really good here, there’s a lot of young kids that I see as future superstars of the game. I want to be a big part of that."
“As I’ve said I’ve got to work hard on my game and keep learning along the way.”
“I’m here for a job and that’s playing footy.”
