The Gold Coast Bulletin

THE BEARS ARE BACK

- RHYS O’NEILL

ISC CHAMPS’ TRAINING

THE Bears are pushing, rolling and flipping their way out of hibernatio­n.

Burleigh’s hopes of defending their Intrust Super Cup title may have ended when the statewide leagues were cancelled but the squad are still finding ways to keep their heads in the game.

Many players have borrowed gym equipment from Pizzey Park in order to stay in shape, despite not knowing when is their next game of footy.

The squad stay in contact during the coronaviru­s isolation via a WhatsApp group chat, with quirky weekly challenges ensuring the changeroom banter remains high. The activities are fitness-based but delivered with a twist.

“They have taken plates and dumbbells and barbells and are obviously training on their own,” Bears CEO Damien Driscoll said.

“We have some weekly challenges among the group with their training and that’s just about keeping them interactin­g.

“They’re quite fun to watch and some of the louder boys certainly make the most of it.

“We’re doing a few little things to stay fit and active.”

With their most likely avenue to a game via the Rugby League Gold Coast first grade competitio­n, Driscoll admits Bears players have to find strength from within during this time.

“They’re essentiall­y doing another off-season,” he said.

“It’s no different to elite sportspeop­le in that their routine has changed so it’s up to individual­s to stay motivated. We obviously do what we can as a club.”

SEE THE VIDEO OF THE BEARS IN TRAINING: goldcoastb­ulletin.com.au

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 ?? Picture: AAP IMAGE ?? Burleigh players may be out of action but they are finding ways to stay in shape.
Picture: AAP IMAGE Burleigh players may be out of action but they are finding ways to stay in shape.

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