Rabbitohs training ‘toughest’

By JACK AMI
PAPUA New Guinea Kumuls utility back and South Sydney Rabbitohs recruit Edene Gebbie says training at the National Rugby League club has so far been the toughest in his career.
The Koiari man was in Port Moresby last week after he was given a break due to a groin injury he had suffered at last month’s NRL Nines.
The 24-year-old told The National at the Oil Search National Football Stadium that apart from coach Wayne Bennett, everything about the club — including their players, staff and the training — was new to him.
However, Gebbie said he had settle in well at Redfern during the pre-season and was prepared to roll his sleeves up and dig deep for a spot in the first-grade side over the course of his two-year deal.
With the height of 187cm and 92kg but he thinks of cutting this down to be a fast winger.
“To play in the NRL, I have to get all the simple things right,” said the former SP Hunters and Wynnum Manly fullback.
“I’ve been training on the wing since I arrived at the Rabbitohs.
“But I really want to play fullback. I’ve been playing at the back since I took up the sport. But firstly, I need to work harder at defending, talking and catching high balls.”
Gebbie knows it will take more than the backing of seven-time premiership-winning coach Bennett to earn a spot in the Bunnies’ first-grade side.
“It’s all tough. I have never come across such training in my life,” he said.
“This is all new to me compared with the stuff we do at the SP Hunters and Wynnum Manly.
“I was told to put on a bit of weight and pump iron (weight lifting). In my opinion, I should drop some kilos to maintain my speed on the wing but I’ve to follow what they say because they’re the experts.
“That is why I’m taking all the training sessions very seriously to make the 30-man squad over the next two season.
“We are training really hard and I’m pushing myself hard in every training session with a lot of intensity.
“I’m learning also learning a lot under (former Bunnies back) Greg Inglis.
“He is always giving me tips on how to catch and pass the ball.
“Although the training is tough, I’m relishing every bit of it. The experience has been great so far.”