14.04.2007
BY his own admission, Sunshine Coast Falcons enforcer Jason Wardrop did anything but go above and beyond the call of duty when it came to his fitness last season.
That was the 2006 version of the teenage prop. The 2007 edition is just a little different.
Tipping the scales around 105kg during the Christmas break, the 19-year-old has shed so much weight, he’s actually hoping to put a couple of kilos back on.
“I’m about 98kg now, but I’d like to get back up to 100kg or so,” Wardrop said.
“My fitness is definitely a level above last year. I guess last year I was a bit lazy and didn’t do much fitness, but even in the two months we had off I’ve been playing touch footy and surfing, and that has really helped.
“I’ve started going to the gym too and I’ve noticed a huge difference in how I’m playing thanks to that.”
Wardrop gives plenty of kudos to the Falcon’s new physical conditioner Ben Hudson for his leaner look.
“Last year with (former trainer) Kev Cook it was basically just sprints, but this year there’s a bit more variety which is good,” he said.
“With that extra fitness I can keep my concentration levels up for longer, too.”
Wardrop has been a vital cog in the Falcon’s forward set-up in their campaign thus far, with coach Des Allen lauding the overall contribution of his pack, including his bench players.
Wardrop says that fact ensures he isn’t taking his starting spot for granted.
“Everyone, especially last weekend (30-22 win over Norths) really stepped up,” he said.
“The reserves played well and as soon as the reserves came on, everyone lifted.
“That keeps a little bit of pressure on you, and gives you a reason to want to play well anyway.”
While pleased the team registered their first victory of the season last week, Allen is aware their home match tomorrow against Tweed Heads poses a far greater test.
The Seagulls won the minor premiership in a canter last season.
We’ve still got a big improvement to make with our ball retention. We’re at about 60% and we need to get that to 75 to get anywhere near where we want to be,” Wardop said.
