AUSTRALIAN star Adam Keighran left the sunshine of Sydney for ice station Wigan – but says he has quickly started warming to the hard work of pre-season.
It’s been a phased return for Matty Peet’s all-conquering squad, with different players returning at various times depending on international involvement and personal circumstances.
The club’s overseas contingent spent time back in their homelands, albeit following individual training programmes, but now it’s back to business – and Keighran says in some ways, it feels like he’s never been away.
“It was good to have a break and catch up with family and friends, and it did take a day or two to adjust to the UK weather,” said the 27-year-old former NRL and Catalans Dragons centre and father of two.
“But the kids love a bit of snow, and I’ve enjoyed getting back among the boys and ramping things up ahead of the new season.
“I think we’ve all got back into the swing quickly, and it feels a little bit like we’ve never been away.
“I’ve done plenty of running and gym work; the staff would know if I hadn’t followed my schedule. But there are things you can only do as part of a group, and we are focussing on them now.
“We’re getting those connections going again and trying to find some ways we can add that little bit extra to our game.”
Peet’s side might have won everything available to them last season, but Keighran, who had two years apiece at New Zealand Warriors and Sydney Roosters and one at Catalans before joining Wigan twelve months ago, says there is no problem when it comes to motivation.
“What drives us? We don’t like losing,” he added.
“Winning is fun, we all want to keep doing that, and we all know that without putting in the work, that won’t happen, because other teams are improving.
“You have to do everything you can to be successful, and that’s the mentality of everyone at this club.
“We have a laugh and enjoy ourselves, and the staff encourage that, but we also know there’s a time for it, and when we have to get down to some graft, we do.”
