I recently took part in Wigan Warriors’ infamous annual Formby Beach training session, and let me tell you, it was an experience I won’t forget anytime soon.
A Brutal Start to the Week
Joining the reigning champions at 8:00 AM on a cold, dark Monday morning, I was met with a mix of laughter and raised eyebrows. It was my second attempt at this grueling cardio session—the first attempt is best left in the past. As I made the half-hour drive to Formby Beach, I couldn’t help but question my decision. Memories of last year’s torture and the indulgence of too many Christmas parties lingered in my mind.
Now, I’m not completely out of shape. I’ve run regular 5Ks in about 26 minutes, played touch rugby in Warrington, and even completed my first half marathon last year in 2 hours and 8 minutes. But I’m certainly no Aaron Bower, who could probably outpace the entire rugby league media scene without breaking a sweat.
Warm-Up: The Calm Before the Storm
After some warm-ups and stretches, we were briefed by head of performance Ian Bentley. The session began with a light jog to the seafront and another jog along the beach to a post in the sand and back. It didn’t take long for the sheer challenge of running on sand to kick in. The shifting surface offered no grip, demanding extra effort from my legs. But this was just the beginning—child’s play compared to what lay ahead.
The Hill of Horror
I started in Group Five alongside players like Harvie Hill, Tyler Dupree, Sam Eseh, and Liam Byrne. Within moments, they were ahead of me as we sprinted up the steep sand dunes, with head of strength and conditioning Chris Barron blowing his whistle relentlessly. After just four or five sprints, my legs were wobbling, and I was gasping for air.
“Rugby league players are unbelievable,” I thought, watching them power through with remarkable resilience.
Mental Toughness in Action
The players faced at least ten more hill sprints, all under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff, including head coach Matt Peet and academy head coach Matty Smith. Body language was a key focus—no slouching, no hands on knees. “Stand tall, take every breath in,” I heard Sam Walters shout as I tried to compose myself.
Despite the intensity, there was no shortage of encouragement. Harvie Hill, in particular, stood out, taking on a leadership role among the group. His support and motivation for the younger academy players were impressive, showcasing why he’s poised for an even bigger season in 2025 after featuring in 16 games last year.
A Savage Morning
After a quick water break, we split into larger groups for even more sand dune sprints. My first task: tackling the steepest hill of the day. It required every ounce of power to make it to the top while ensuring a jog back down to maintain the pace.
The next section, led by assistant coach Sean O’Loughlin, involved tackle bags—three hits per turn—followed, of course, by more sprints. The academy players pushed themselves to impress, while first-teamers offered guidance and support, keeping the energy high.
Reflecting on the Challenge
This wasn’t just a workout; it was a test of physical and mental strength. Watching the players excel under such demanding conditions gave me a newfound respect for their dedication and resilience. For me, it was a brutal yet exhilarating start to the week—one I won’t forget anytime soon.
