Josh Addo-Carr on why he got even fitter, stronger, faster

As always, losing offers more lessons than winning. And Melbourne’s grand final loss to the Roosters gave Blues flyer Josh Addo-Carr the motivation to got even fitter, stronger, faster.

Josh Addo-Carr has bulked up by 8kg in a body makeover that has made him fitter, faster and stronger than ever before.

Melbourne’s loss to the Roosters in last year’s grand final convinced “The Fox” he needed to beef up after playing last season at 83kg.

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“After losing the grand final, I realised there were some things I was good at and there were some things I wasn’t so good at,’’ the Blues winger said.

“I wasn’t making post-contact metres (the ground a player makes after being hit by a defender).”

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Addo-Carr knew he needed to stand up to the game’s demands. Image: Phil Hillyard

Addo-Carr’s metres gained per run were also a focus for the flyer as he force-fed himself five meals a day and trained to a standstill.

According to Fox Sports Stats, this season he is averaging more than 11m per run as opposed to a little over 10m last year.

“I put on 8kg over the off season (last November to January this year),’’ Addo-Carr said.

“I ate plenty of chicken, red meats, salad. I would smash protein shakes, too.

“I was in a good routine, trying to eat at the right times, five meals a day.

The results are visible on the field and in his numbers. Image: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“I did extra leg work and I was around good people at the time — my cousins that like to train with boxing and weights.

“You’ve got to surround yourself with good people, so that’s what I did.

“Adding weight was a goal of mine at the end of last season and I achieved it. I’ve just got to hold onto it.

“I was about 93kg through the off-season and I finished the pre-season (February) at 90kg, so it was good.

“I feel good at that weight now. I feel a lot stronger, and lot faster and a lot fitter, too.’’

Addo-Carr will be crucial to the Blues’ hopes. Image: Michael Klein

Apart from being physically better equipped to deal with Origin, there is another reason Queensland will have to keep a close eye on Addo-Carr on Wednesday night.

The 23-year-old will be fired up following the passing of his inspirational grandfather and legendary Australian boxer, Wally Carr.

One of Australia’s greatest fighters, Carr lost a short battle with stomach cancer two months ago.

“It was a sad time for our family, but hopefully he’s proud of me,’’ Addo-Carr said.

“Mentally it was difficult. I was always thinking about Pop and worried about my family back home.

“One of the hardest things was being away (in Melbourne), but Craig (Bellamy) gave me a bit of time off to spend with Pop.

“I’m happy he’s not in pain anymore.

The loss of his grandad and former Australian boxing champion Wally Carr will stay with Addo-Carr. Image: NRL Photos.

“This is my first time seeing someone that I love really sick like that and it’s opened my eyes to the families that are out there who are affected by this illness.

“It’s really sad to see your loved ones like that. It’s not the same. He’s definitely (an inspiration).

“He and my whole family, it was a tough time and I was focused on making him proud on the field while he was sick and now I’m trying to make my family proud.

“I play the game for them, to motivate them to be the best they can be.’’