When Robert Lui was handed Johnathan Thurston's No. 6 jersey he realised he needed to lose weight
THE moment North Queensland’s Robert Lui was handed Johnathan Thurston's No. 6 jersey he realised he needed to lose weight, fast.
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THE moment Robert Lui was handed Johnathan Thurston's No. 6 jersey he realised he needed to lose weight, fast.
“That medium No. 6 jersey Johnno was wearing was just too tight,’’ Lui said. “I was sorta like ‘woah’ get me a large.
“It fits good now though. It is no longer tight around my guts.’’
Since swapping the seven for the six and losing 4kg, Lui’s form has rocketed.
His weight loss secret is saying no to his mum’s delicious but carb-heavy food.
The slimline Lui even outshone his superstar halves partner last week against Manly, a performance Thurston described as Lui’s best in the Cowboys jersey he used to wear.
The Broncos travel to Townsville on Friday for Saturday’s elimination final with Ben Hunt as their only dominant half while the Cowboys have two halves who are creating havoc.
Lui’s form represents the first time Thurston has had a legitimate foil rather than a makeshift five-eighth such as Justin Smith or Travis Norton.
Lui was dropped from the team early in the season after struggling at half-back and then relegated to a bench role.
He had to be brutally honest with himself and although he first worse the No. 6 in Round 16 against South Sydney it was another month before he made it his own.
Asked who inspired him to lose weight and find confidence, Lui said: “Myself’’.
“I looked at myself and said ‘You are better than this’,’’ Lui said.
“I also looked at Michael Morgan and what he went through with his best mate Leki (Alex Elisala) and how he found confidence this year even in a new position of fullback.
“Morgo tells me every game to play with confidence and believe in myself. In this team we feed each off other and it is paying off.
“The last eight weeks I have been eating well, doing extras at training and enjoying time with my family.
“There is a good vibe going on here. It is a massive game up here this weekend and I can’t wait.’’
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