NZ Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's has revealed family and the fans are motivating the team, as they begin preparations for a return to action in the NRL.
More than six weeks after their last game, the Warriors were back to work at their new home in Tamworth on Tuesday and training never felt so good.
"We're finally seeing each other, finally hanging as a group again," says Tuivasa-Sheck. "We had our first session today and it starts to get real."
The side were put through their paces in their return to the practice pitch, with some gruelling fitness tests to measure the impact of their lengthy lockdown layoff.
"It was a tough session today, but it's going to be like that for the next couple of weeks.
"It's exciting, it's a different challenge. We're in a unique spot, so let's make the most of it."
After a turbulent six weeks with so much uncertainty, it's clear why even the first 'pre-season' hit-out has been so well received.
Forty-six days in the rugby league wilderness has given Tuivasa-Sheck time to reflect on two heavy defeats in their first two games, and he says they want to make the sacrifice worthwhile with improvements on the field.
"We really need to pick up our game," he adds. "Let's make it all worth it, and give a big thank you to our families and our fans."
The hard work is underway, as the Warriors aim to reap the ultimate reward from their ultimate sacrifice.
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