They were the social media images that caused quite a stir as Wests Tigers players returned to training on Wednesday this week.
Wests Tigers prop Alex Twal — who was already one of the fittest big men in the competition — returned looking as shredded as ever and seemingly primed to deliver his best season since debuting for the club back in 2017.
Living at home with his family throughout the game-wide isolation period, the Lebanon international took full advantage of a quality home gym set up and a protein-packed diet provided by his mother's home-cooking skills to return to the club's new elite training facility in prime physical condition.
“The boys are really excited to be back and there's definitely a real thrill around the place," Twal said. "It's definitely good to be back.
“It’s a little different coming back in as it’s something we’re not used to but hopefully it’s not too long before we can get back into our normal training routine so we’re working on our craft and skills.
“We’re making sure we know all our plays and our movements are right and ready to go for our first game — whenever that is."
Twal said the buzz of returning from break, coupled with the side's arrival in a brand new training facility as Concord Oval undergoes a much-needed redevelopment, was noticeable throughout the squad.
“A few of the senior players and Madge said a lot when we returned just get everyone back on track,” said Twal. "But you can just tell that every single one of the boys have been eager to get back in to it.
“With our new training facility here there’s an extra bit of buzz around the place and I don’t think any of the boys are short of motivation.”
