A squad of 31 players departed on Tuesday, spending some 24-hours making the journey to their altitude training camp.
Nick Graham says no sooner had the team arrived than it was time to pull on the boots and hit the track.
“We went down to the running track and it was absolutely freezing. I think a few of the boys were in shock how cold it actually was,” Graham said.
“He (David Buttifant) got us moving around with bit of a loosen up and a bit of a jog around, so it wasn’t too bad, but you could really tell we were up in the mountains – just the altitude, it really takes it out of you.”
The following morning players added coats and goggles to their training attire, after waking to snow.
Next on their agenda is a hike through the Grand Canyon.
Graham says he’s hoping the extreme conditions will help fast track his fitness base.
“Obviously I didn’t have a full pre-season last year,” Graham said.
“So to be over here now, and (with) my body feeling good, to get a full pre-season under my belt would be really nice.
“Also to just improve my leadership among the boys, to hopefully step up in that regard and hopefully become a leader one day at this club.”
