Konrad Hurrell estimates he is 11kg lighter than he was at the same time last year. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Konrad Hurrell estimates he is 11kg lighter than he was at the same time last year. Photo / Brett Phibbs
If you want to understand how things have changed at the Warriors in recent times, take a look at Konrad Hurrell.
The powerful centre, who featured in last night's match against the Knights, became a symbol last year of what was wrong at the club.
He returned from his off-season break more than 10kg overweight. Hurrell struggled to get in shape, and missed several games at the start of the season. He wasn't the only player who was far from svelte but became the poster boy for the lack of discipline under the old regime.
Konrad Hurrell after the semi final of the NRL Auckland Nines at Eden Park, 16 February 2014. Photo / Richard Robinson
This year, Hurrell reported for pre-season ready to go, and estimates he is 11kg lighter than he was at the same stage last year. He now tips the scales at 106kg but says he has retained all his power and is at his "perfect weight".
"They have tightened up everything, on and off the field," said Hurrell. "They are not mucking around. If you are not up to standard with whatever they want you to be, then you won't play. I guess that is one thing that is different from other years. I was told to come back in this way. If not, you are not going to play."
Hurrell is a small but prominent example of what is different at Mt Smart. In the past, players were expected to follow good practices but there weren't always ramifications if they didn't.
Too often, there didn't seem to be consequences for poor performances, or lack of quality output at training. It's the kind of thing that can create a problem internally, a divide between those who are doing what they should and those who aren't. So far, these changes are behind the scenes but proof of the progress should be seen with improved performances over the next few weeks.
Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden has aimed to raise standards around professionalism and performance. Photo / Michael Craig
"Standards is the key word," said Warriors coach Andrew McFadden. "We had low standards around here in what was expected around professionalism and performance. Initially, I set a tone if you under-perform on the field that is going to cost you a spot. But even off the field in the way you conduct yourself and prepare - that is hugely important."
There are a whole string of measures. Some are scientific, like skin-fold tests, strength measures in the gym and running times on the paddock. Others are more intangible - not walking at training, keeping your body language positive even when you are tired and being focused during contact sessions. It's not new, and McFadden has been "on message" since he got the job early last year, but it feels like the penny is beginning to drop.
"They set a goal but don't just push everyone to it," said Hurrell. "They put the goal up there and if you don't reach the goal, you might be out of the team. That motivates everyone. You have to get to it on your own. They are not pushing you like you are babies any more, though there is still help there."
McFadden hopes it will become self-evident.
"Some of it is some fairly simple stuff," said McFadden. "It is about consistently being on to them about what we expect. The good thing is they are all seeing the pay-offs if they do the right things. Hopefully it is a bit of a snowball effect and there is less cracking of the whip and more of an internal drive."
Warriors chief executive Jim Doyle has also made an impact. He meets with the team at least once a week, and has put the focus at Mt Smart back on football.
"It comes from the top," hooker Nathan Friend said. "Jim has personal standards that filter through. It is about planting the seed initially and hopefully it will pay off."
