JARDINE Bobongie is known as the hard man of the STM Mackay Cutters, and he needed all of his toughness to get through the club's annual pre-season camp at Hay Point at the weekend.
Bobongie was among 33 players and officials who took on some unusual challenges on Friday and Saturday at Action Challenge, mixed with ball sessions at the Sarina Crocodiles' Ray Edwards Oval.
"It really took us out of our comfort zone, I think," Bobongie said.
"It was good for us to be tested like this."
Among challenges was the 'Leap of Faith' in which teammates support each other in rope lifts of about 10m.
Forward Bobongie said this season's squad was looking good and he was keen to see them come together in the first trial match against the NQ Cowboys' U20 side at Virgin Australia Stadium on February 4.
"Some of our new players are looking good, they're showing great potential," he said.
"We've also got some who are trying out for contracts, so they're all competing for places with us."
Coach Anthony Seibold said the camp combined football elements as well as the group initiative team building aspects that Action Challenge offers.
"The idea was to get the benefit of some extended time on the field as well as take the players out of their comfort zone a bit," Seibold said.
He said the support of Atlas Copco Mining and Rock Excavation Australia, and of the Sarina Rugby League at Ray Edwards Oval, allowed the players to concentrate on their preparations for the season.
"It is great to have the support of the Sarina Rugby League," Seibold said.
"Sarina president Des Payne has been really welcoming of us and also put a barbecue on for the players at lunchtime on Saturday."
ON TRIAL
STM Mackay Cutters trial games:
February 4 at Virgin Australia Stadium v Cowboys U20
February 18 at Virgin Australia Stadium v CQ Capras
February 25 at Moranvah v Northern Pride
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