League: Warriors Wrestling Federation is all the rage in the NRL

The Warriors might be re-finding their fitness, but they're also rediscovering their aggression in a series of "combative" wrestling sessions.

Reports out of the camp suggest wrestling sessions conducted by their wrestling coach and 1978 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Ken Reinsfield have been full-on, but all with the approval of coach Tony Kemp.

"It's been combative," Kemp said, choosing his words carefully.

"They are rugby league players and need to be aggressive when they play. It's something I've been encouraging and the wrestling sessions are a way to develop that aggression, but it's certainly not getting out of hand."

The Warriors were criticised last season for not only running out of steam, but also misplaced aggression. It's something Kemp has placed a high importance on turning around.

He was involved in wrestling training in his playing days and it's something other clubs are likely to adopt following the success of the Queensland Cowboys last season, who went from also-rans to almost qualifying for last year's NRL Grand Final after using wrestling as part of their training programme.

Kemp has shown he's keen to bring variety to the Warriors training and on Thursday the squad was once again put through their paces at North Shore beach Mairangi Bay by surf lifesaver Cory Hutchings.

The Warriors added a new body to the organisation on Friday, appointing former All Blacks coach John Hart. He's joined the board of Cullen Sports, the company that owns the Warriors, as a director.

Despite his coaching experience, Hart was quick to emphasise his appointment was a business one.

"My focus will be on governance matters and not the club's on-field football operations," he said. "That's not my territory."

In addition Hart is a director of both Sky Television and Bayleys Corporation and was also invo-lved with Fletcher Challenge for 30 years.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY