“We’ve got to get into the hard work and that starts now.”
Coach Justin Holbrook says 2021 preparations are underway, with the majority of the NRL squad now back for pre-season.
“We haven’t got as long as last years’ pre-season,” Holbrook said.
“I think we had six or seven weeks before Christmas (last year) and I think we are down to four and half.”
Despite a strong finish to the 2020 season that saw the Club notch five-straight wins, Holbrook says that counts for nothing as the side builds towards round one.
“There is no point us patting ourselves on the back, last season has finished.
“I think you’ve got to start again as well.”
New recruits David Fifita, Sam McIntyre and Patrick Herbert joined their Gold Coast team-mates, with most of the NRL squad now official back on duty.
“We’ve had some younger guys training the last couple of weeks and Dave (Fifita) has been part of that,” Holbrook said.
“I’m really happy with his preparation for training and that he has come back early off his own choice.
“A lot of people take as much time off as they can at the end of a difficult year and Dave has been the exact opposite for us.
Some senior players and Origin representatives will return in coming weeks, with Herman Ese’Ese to join his new Club next week.
After winning the Premiership and an Origin Series, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui won’t return until the new year.
“He won’t join us until January,” Holbrook said.
“He’s such a young player and what a big season he has had.
“He needs a good break, but I’m really looking forward to him joining us.”
AJ Brimson, Phillip Sami and Moeaki Fotuaika will all be better for the experience of an Origin camp according to the Coach.
“The experience that they will gain being with those elite players in camp and with Wayne and Mal and with their fellow Queenslanders, I think they’ll always be better players after gaining that experience.
“They’re all young and that’s the key for us, young guys getting experience at a higher level of rugby league.”
