After serving as a key cog in Pirates’ back-to-back premiership wins, hooker Tim Collins had reflected on his form and decided he could do more.
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As Pirates prepare to face Moree at Chillingworth Oval on Saturday, the 28-year-old revealed that he hit the gym in the off-season with added vigor.
“It’s probably the fittest I’ve been in quite a few years … I just felt there was more I could do on the field. [I was] a bit lazy at times. I thought I better do something about it.”
With his years of top-grade experience, his improved fitness and his young legs, Collins is excited about what lies ahead.
He will put his enhanced cardio to use in the No.6 jersey against the Bulls, as part of positional changes implemented following the loss of lock Andrew Wynne and flanker Doug Biffin for personal reasons. Jacob Budd comes into the starting side for Wynne.
‘We’ve still got a pretty solid pack up front,” Collins said. “The boys who have come up are definitely capable of doing the job, that’s for sure.”
Pirates are coming off an opening round 86-5 away win over Quirindi, while Moree beat Inverell 47-10 at home.
Collins said the Bulls had a lot of depth. “So they’ll be there for the full 80 [minutes], that’s for sure,” he said, adding: “It’s definitely gonna be a tough match. They’re usually a big, fast and strong side. So they’re definitely going to be a test.”
In other games, Narrabri host Gunnedah, Walcha travel to Inverell and Barraba/Gwydir host Quirindi.
