Boot camp fantasies hinge on chocolate and sleep

THERE are two things Coen Hess values more than most – food and sleep.

So it’s little surprise the Cowboys hulk described the club’s army- style boot camp last week as “52 hours of hell”.

The Queensland Origin star ( pictured) revealed he spent a lot of time daydreaming about junk food as the players wrapped up the mental and physical torture test at Lavarack Barracks last week.

The players who completed the ordeal three years ago were given a leave pass but most of the youngsters weren’t so fortunate.

“I’m not too sure exactly where we were or how long it went for, but it was really gruelling,” Hess said.

“There was a few physical and mental challenges as well as no food or sleep, I didn’t cope too well.

“Probably the worst one was we got blindfolded and sat there for six hours straight, not allowed to talk to anyone.

“Honestly I think I just thought about a Mars bar for five hours and I don’t even like Mars bars, that’s where my head was.”

Part of the Cowboys preseason will focus on making better decisions under fatigue and Hess said the boot camp put matching wits with the NRL’s hardest forwards in the shade.

“No matter what you go through on the field, I doubt it would be as tough as what we were put through,” Hess said.

“I’m just having that mindset we got out alive in the army camp and if things do get tough ( on field) we can reflect on that, and the things we learnt from the army boys.

“You can take a lot out of those things. A few of the boys who weren’t really confident in the group found a voice, everyone had to be talking and helping each other through those tough times.

“It wasn’t the most pleasant time but going forward I think it will help a lot for us.”

Due to a number of injuries to first- choice props, the back rower spent plenty of time in the middle last year.

But the return from injury of Matt Scott and recruitment of Kangaroos front rower Jordan McLean should ensure the 21- yearold wreaks most of his havoc out wide.

“I’m not too sure, I haven’t spoken to Greeny ( coach Paul Green) about my role this year,” Hess said. “For now I’m just focusing on building a good foundation and after the Chrissy break we’ll start talking positions and tactics.”