Gold Coast Eagles tackle mental health and fitness with open-air gym

Players from a Gold Coast club are taking advantage of a loophole in COVID-19 anti-gathering restrictions to get a leg up on the rest of the competition.

Gold Coast Eagles rugby club have found a loophole in COVID-19 restrictions to get a leg up on competition. They've taken their club gym outside and set up a roster to keep them fit + monitor mental health. Aaron Grant in the outside gym. Picture: Jerad Williams

PLAYERS from the Gold Coast Eagles are taking advantage of a loophole in COVID-19 anti-gathering restrictions to get a leg up on the rest of the competition.

With gyms around the Gold Coast closed to prevent the spread of the virus, the Eagles have moved their gym equipment in the open air of James Overell Park and developed a roster to ensure players can use the weights safely, using a buddy system.

HOW BOND RUGBY STAR IS FIGHTING BACK FROM LOCKDOWN

Led by players Aaron Grant and Nate Faalogo, the gym sessions are keeping the Eagles fit during the shutdown.

Gold Coast Eagles rugby club have found a loophole in COVID-19 restrictions to get a leg up on competition. They've taken their club gym outside and set up a roster to keep them fit + monitor mental health. Aaron Grant in the outside gym. Picture: Jerad Williams

According to coach Jai Johnson, there’s an ulterior motive as well.

“Honestly the idea was more about the mental health side of things than the fitness for me,” Johnson said.

“We were able to provide the boys with club equipment to use and allow them to get out of the house and continue to train.

HEALTH CHECK: REVEALING THE FINANCIAL STATUS OF EVERY COAST CLUB

“The boys can check in with each other and talk, and hopefully not have any mental health issues during these trying times (with that support).”

The Eagles have resisted temptation to bombard players with individual training programs, leaving their First XV’s fitness standards in the hands of their players.

“Every club is going to be in roughly the same position,” Johnson explained.

Gold Coast Eagles rugby club have found a loophole in COVID-19 restrictions to get a leg up on competition. They've taken their club gym outside and set up a roster to keep them fit + monitor mental health. Aaron Grant in the outside gym. Picture: Jerad Williams

“If our players can maintain some sort of fitness we’re going to be better off, whether that’s strength of aerobic fitness.

“Honestly this is park footy and a lot of our players have sat down and probably done nothing.

NO JAB, NO PLAY: DIRE WARNING FOR COAST FOOTBALLERS

“I know a lot of club players are getting well-versed in Call of Duty.

“Any leg up to get the boys back in better condition than couch-condition, we’re going to be better off.”

Gold Coast District Rugby Union have shared a three-stage return to play plan which will see training return in June, with the first game in July, unless restrictions tighten.