One on One with Luke Portese
Tuesday 18 December 2012 1:55 PM
This week, we caught up with hard working Wests Tigers NRL Strength and Conditioning Manager Luke Portese for the next edition of our popular ‘One on One’ series.
Highly respected by players and staff, Luke spoke to Club Media Manager Wayne Cousins about his role at Wests Tigers and what he looks for from the boys during pre-season training.
Wayne: Luke, take us through your role and responsibilities at Wests Tigers?
Luke: I design and facilitate the players’ gym program, strongman sessions, alternate conditioning session like wrestle and mixed martial arts. I also assist with general conditioning and facilitate tackle/ruck control sessions.
Wayne: You certainly seem to enjoy the Strongman Challenges?
Luke: I love strongman sessions. It’s something I’ve been interested in and doing for a long time now. I’m always looking for new equipment/objects to use to create challenging alternative training session for the players. The sessions are always hard but the boys enjoy doing something different other than footy specific training. It’s also great for mental toughness and if designed properly, you can use the session to identify leaders from within a group.
Wayne: The wrestle is a big part of the game now. How are our players going and what do you look for?
Luke: Control after contact is so important, every second counts! We work on control after contact and control on the ground. The players enjoy wrestling each other and they are getting better every week.
Wayne: It’s been a tough pre-season so far under new Coach Mick Potter. How have the boys responded to the many challenges set already?
Luke: It’s only early into pre-season training but as a whole the attitude and effort from our top squad is fantastic. All the boys are ripping in and giving 100%. There will be a lot of PB’s in the gym this pre-season.
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