NSW Waratahs backrower Langi Gleeson has returned to pre-season in career-best shape, eager to make his mark on Super Rugby Pacific.
Gleeson spent the majority of the international season holding tackle bags, used twice off the bench against France and Georgia.
Don't miss Super Round 2024 in Melbourne from March 1-3. Get your tickets now!
His transformation since the World Cup caught coach Darren Coleman's eyes on his return, predicting big things in 2024.
“He’s a different animal than what he was two years ago," Coleman remarked last week.
“Him getting close to that Wallaby level and seeing it over the fence, I reckon you’ll see some big gains out of him."
It's evident to see as Gleeson walks into the room ready to be interviewed, with the hulking backrower telling Rugby.com.au how his time in Wallabies camp redefined how he views his training capabilities.
“I wasn’t in the best shape last year,” Gleeson concedes.
“Before the World Cup, I didn’t realise the training capacity (I had). I always thought you could only train this much before you get injured. But with Eddie (Jones), he really pushes you 24/7 on and off the field.
“The year before I didn’t really run in the off-season and would be with family in Fiji so this time I just trained every day whether gym or run.
“You build a tolerance for how much you can train and really push. I learnt a lot through that.”
Gleeson has great competition to push him further in the form of his brother Ben, making his name with the Manly Marlins in the Shute Shield.
“We’re just trying to better each other," Langi said.
“We’re in the same position so if I play he’ll give me critiques and when he plays, I’ll do the same. He’s the same strength as much but not speed (laughs) but he’s a very good player and he’ll be good this season.”
The Waratahs are desperate to start their season strong after winning just one of their first six games.
“We don’t want to replicate what happened last year. We’ve just got to put the foot on the throat," Gleeson added.
“As soon as round one comes, we need to get a good start against the Reds and then just set a platform for us.
“We don’t want to have to catch up those games, we want to be resting boys near the end and then just taper up and get ready (for finals).”
