Slimmer Pere in confident mood

HE returned for summer training a bit heavier than the North Queensland coaching staff would have liked, but now a slimmed down Emry Pere is at the peak of his physical powers.

The young front-rower is coming off what he’s described as the best pre-season of his life and the result could be devastating for opposition forward packs this year.

Pere said knowing his weight was on point had given him an injection of confidence.

“The difference between this one and previous pre-seasons has been my weight,” Pere said.

“Last season I was a bit too light and in pre-season this year I was a bit too heavy. I’m at the point where I have to be at the moment so it’s pretty good.

“I haven’t been trying to cut weight but I’ve been dropping a few kilos which has been pretty good heading into the season. I feel a lot fitter and a lot lighter.”

Pere, who will most likely start the 2020 season in the Intrust Super Cup with the Mackay Cutters, said his new physique could lead to extended stints on the field.

The 21-year-old also displayed a new facet of his game in a trial for the Cutters last weekend, scoring an incredible solo try from 35m out.

“I got the ball on the last and I had room to my other side and they said ‘grubber’, so I put it through and just followed through,” Pere said of his solo effort.

“Somehow it ended up in my hands and I scored.”

With the Cowboys front row rotation featuring the likes of Jordan Mclean, Josh Mcguire, John Asiata and Francis Molo, Pere said he knew consistent performances would be the key to getting his shot in the top 17.