Dolphins get their heads in the game
SURFERS Paradise are thinking outside the box in their bid to bring the Gold Coast District Rugby Union first grade trophy back into their possession.
The Dolphins, who won the 2016 and 2017 premierships before losing to Griffith University Colleges in last year’s decider, are again enjoying a strong season having won 10 of 12 matches.
Now as the pressure-filled finals arena looms, Surfers are getting on the front foot to give their players an edge.
The club have brought in Access Bars, who provide head massages that trigger positive neurological responses.
“It’s letting go of all the deep-seated emotions, thoughts, judgments and attitudes that have been stored up through our lives that no longer serve us,” Bars founder Gary Douglas explained.
Surfers captain Andy Finn is among those to have experienced the procedure and believes it will do wonders for his squad.
“To be honest it’s a really strange experience. It’s the first time I have ever done this and I didn’t really know what to expect out of it,” Finn, 27, said.
“They just lay you back and play with some pressure points on your head.
“You sort of switch off and it gives that calming effect.
“(Masseuse Allyson Roesler) said you need to take that out onto the field with you, that if you can just relax and be calm it doesn’t matter what situation you are in, you can deal with whatever has been put in front of you.
“It was really good and coming into finals footy, that’s when the stress and the pressure comes on.
“It all boils down to one game at the end or if you have got to qualify for finals or if you have to win that semifinal to get into the final, there is a lot of pressure on you to perform.
“I suppose it is just a release really – all right, you have taken all of this pressure on, let’s let all of the pressure out. I enjoyed it.”
It’s not the first time Surfers have taken an unconventional approach, having previously practised pilates as a form of injury management.
The Dolphins will host an open day tomorrow between 9am and 1pm to provide a free taste of the Access Bars experience.
Coming off a 34-17 win over Gold Coast Eagles, Surfers will face Helensvale at Albert Park tomorrow before meeting Bond Pirates in the last regular season round.
TO BE HONEST IT’S A REALLY STRANGE EXPERIENCE. IT’S THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER DONE THIS. SURFERS CAPTAIN ANDY FINN