Ben Hannant, nicknamed the Polar Bear, ready to swelter at North Queensland Cowboys

HE’S known as the polar bear but Ben Hannant believes a sweltering pre-season under the Townsville sun could eventually lead to career-best footy.

Ben Hannant gets into pre-season training at Cowboys HQ yesterday. Picture: Paul Munnings

HE’S known as the polar bear but Ben Hannant believes a sweltering pre-season under the Townsville sun could eventually lead to some career-best footy.

The former Brisbane Broncos prop began pre-season training with his new Cowboys teammates on Wednesday, passing all early fitness tests in his first official day of work at Cowboys HQ.

Squeezed out of the Broncos due to salary cap pressures, Hannant still firmly believes his days in the representative arena are not over.

But thoughts of returning to State of Origin were far from his mind as the gritty reality of pre-season training kicked in.

“If I’m doing everything I can at the moment in this pre-season to prepare myself for the start of the season, and how Greeny wants me to play, that will give me the best start to the season,” Hannant said.

“It’s exciting and I’m looking forward to getting on board, and I feel good and getting used to this sun — and I’m making sure I’m bringing plenty of sunscreen with me.

“There’s never any excuses, and if you are you’re compensating for things, so it’s about getting the work done and everyone’s come back in good nick.”

Ben Hannant gets into pre-season training at Cowboys HQ. Picture: Paul Munnings

Hannant faces tough competition to get into the Cowboys’ 17, let alone its starting pack.

Boasting Australian props Matt Scott and James Tamou, the Cowboys also have handy forwards in Glenn Hall, Sam Hoare and Ingham product Ben Spina looking to make an impact next year.

Hannant never expected a walk-in start with North Queensland, and he knows his upcoming fight for a playing spot will be among the toughest of his career.

“All my focus is on finding out exactly the style we’re playing, train to the best of my ability and we’ll deal with that later in the year,” Hannant said.

“If I can contribute in some little way to this team I’ll be very happy.

“I still believe my best footy is ahead of me and I’m looking forward to ripping in and getting an opportunity ... and making it count.

“Unfortunately down there (at Brisbane) the positions were full, but I’m excited about buying into the culture here and finding more about the Cowboys.”

Originally published as Ben Hannant, nicknamed the Polar Bear, ready to swelter at North Queensland Cowboys