Dyldam Parramatta Eels second-rower Tepai Moeroa says coming to the end of another long pre-season has him in stronger physical shape and taking tips from some of the most experienced forwards in the game.
Moeroa carried a shoulder injury through 2015, and has spent the past four months putting in extra time with the Eels coaching staff to focus on his upper body strength.
“I’ve been struggling with injury and to play consistent footy, so hopefully this year I can stay fit and healthy and show what I’ve got for the year,” Moeroa said.
“I’ve been working hard on the upper body during the off-season. The game at Penrith was a real tester for it and there were no signs of any struggle so it’s been good.”
For Moeroa, the arrival of new recruit Beau Scott has provided another veteran forward for the young second-rower to learn from ahead of the 2016 season.
“Especially Beau, with the forwards, he’s shown us how to be mentally strong and physically strong,” Moeroa said.
“Not just when we’re fresh, but when we’re fatigued. He leads. He leads us.”
“We’ve been training hard all pre-season just to finally get a taste of Round One, and all the boys are all ready pumped and excited to go.”
The Dyldam Parramatta Eels kick off the 2016 NRL Telstra Premiership season against the Brisbane Broncos on Thursday, March 3. Click through to secure your seats!
