How Strong Are NRL Players?


The National Rugby League (NRL) is known for being one of the most physically demanding sports in the world, requiring a combination of strength, speed, and endurance. It’s no wonder that NRL players are some of the strongest athletes on the planet, with impressive lifting and strength capabilities. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of NRL strength training and explore just how strong these players are.

Let’s start with some statistics. According to a study by the NRL, the average NRL player can bench press 126kg, squat 190kg, and deadlift 215kg. However, these are just averages, and there are plenty of players who can lift far more than this.

Take Jason Taumalolo, for example. The North Queensland Cowboys forward is widely regarded as one of the strongest players in the NRL, and for good reason. In 2019, Taumalolo set a new NRL record for the most running metres in a single game, with an incredible 301 metres. He’s also known for his impressive strength in the gym, with a reported one-rep max bench press of 230kg and a one-rep max deadlift of 360kg.

Another player known for his strength is Sydney Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. In a video posted to the Roosters’ social media channels, Waerea-Hargreaves can be seen squatting an impressive 300kg for two reps. That’s more than twice his body weight!

So, how do NRL players get so strong? It’s a combination of factors, including dedicated strength training programs, proper nutrition, and supplements. NRL players typically spend several hours a day in the gym, focusing on exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses to build strength and power. They also follow strict dietary plans to ensure they’re fueling their bodies properly, often working with nutritionists and dietitians to optimize their intake of protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients.

When it comes to supplements, NRL players are permitted to use a range of legal products to support their training and recovery. These can include protein powders, creatine, and BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids), which can help to promote muscle growth and repair. However, it’s important to note that the NRL has strict anti-doping policies in place, and players must be careful to only use supplements that are approved and safe.

What Exercises Do NRL Players Do?

NRL players are some of the strongest athletes in the world, and their strength capabilities are truly impressive. To understand just how strong these players are, let’s take a closer look at some of the key lifts they perform in the gym.

First up, the squat. Squatting is one of the most important exercises for building lower body strength and power, and it’s a staple in the training programs of most NRL players. According to the NRL study mentioned earlier, the average NRL player can squat 190kg. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg for some players.

For example, Cameron Smith, one of the greatest NRL players of all time, is known for his impressive squatting ability. In a video posted on Instagram, Smith can be seen squatting 200kg for five reps with ease. That’s more than twice his body weight!

Next, let’s talk about the deadlift. The deadlift is a compound exercise that works multiple muscle groups at once, including the legs, back, and core. It’s a great exercise for building overall strength and power, and it’s no surprise that NRL players are experts at it. According to the NRL study, the average NRL player can deadlift 215kg.

However, some players can lift even more. Take Josh Papalii, for example. The Canberra Raiders forward is known for his incredible strength, and he’s reported to have deadlifted 310kg in the gym. That’s more than three times his body weight!

Last but not least, let’s talk about the bench press. The bench press is a classic exercise for building upper body strength and power, and it’s a favorite of many NRL players. According to the NRL study, the average NRL player can bench press 126kg.

But as we’ve seen, some players can lift far more than this. For example, Josh Mansour, a former NRL player who now plays rugby union, is known for his impressive bench press. Mansour can reportedly bench press 200kg, which is more than twice his body weight!

So, what does it take to build this kind of strength? It’s a combination of factors, including hard work, dedication, and proper training and nutrition. NRL players typically spend several hours a day in the gym, performing a variety of exercises to build strength and power. They also follow strict dietary plans to ensure they’re getting the right nutrients to support their training.

But it’s not just physical strength that makes NRL players so formidable. It’s also their mental toughness and resilience. The sport of rugby league is known for its physicality and brutality, and players must be able to push through pain and fatigue in order to succeed. It’s this combination of physical and mental strength that makes NRL players some of the most impressive athletes in the world.

Conclusion

 In conclusion, NRL players are some of the strongest athletes in the world, with impressive lifting capabilities that are a testament to their dedication and hard work. Whether it’s breaking records on the field or setting new personal bests in the gym, these players are a true inspiration to anyone looking to build strength and power. And while supplements and nutrition can certainly play a role in supporting their training, it’s ultimately their commitment and perseverance that make them such formidable competitors.

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