NRL 2021: Storm star Justin Olam reveals intensive summer conditioning needed to strip off weight

After returning to pre-season training with some weighty matters, Storm star Justin Olam has cut the ‘s***’ out of his diet and stripped down to the lightest he’s ever played at.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 11: Brandon Smith of the Storm offloads the ball during the round one NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at AAMI Park, on March 11, 2021, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Melbourne Storm premiership centre Justin Olam has revealed he dropped six kilograms over summer and is the lightest he’s ever played at after cutting the “s…” out of his diet.

The Papua New Guinea international admits he returned to pre-season training in January “overweight” after too much off-season indulgence following Storm’s premiership win.

“After a premiership there is always a party,” Olam said.

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Justin Olam says he’s at the lightest playing weight of his career.

“I got carried away and thought I’d have heaps of time to come back and train.

“But I came over overweight so the coaches made me work really hard.

“But now, this is the lightest I’ve ever been in my career.”

The secret to his stunning weight loss is remarkably simple.

“I normally eat pretty s…,” he laughed.

“I’m just cutting down on the bad foods which are usually my diet.

Justin Olam grabbed his first try of the season against the Rabbitohs.

“It’s made a really big difference for me.

“I feel a lot lighter and a lot more fitness.

“I’m not sure how I’m going to be contact wise, but we’ll see.”

Storm started their premiership defence last Thursday night with a hard-fought 26-18 win over South Sydney, in which Olam scored a try and produced a brain fade that amused fans and commentators alike.

During the first half, Olam got up to the play the ball facing the sideline just moments after many – including Olam - thought he had made a handling error.

“I thought I had knocked it on so I was filthy at myself, so I just stood up and rolled the ball,” he said.

Olam worked particularly hard on his fitness.

“Then I realised it wasn’t (called a knock on), so it was a pretty stupid thing to do.

“Bellzer (Bellamy) told me to play to the whistle so next time I’ll probably do that.”

Storm is not expected to make any changes to its 17 when it faces Parramatta on the road on Thursday night.

Smith reveals blunt Bellyache order

New Zealand international Brandon Smith says he hopes to put forward his case to keep the No. 9 jersey by continuing to steer Melbourne Storm to wins like in Thursday night’s season opener.

Coach Craig Bellamy lauded Smith as one of Storm’s best on Thursday night in his side’s impressive 26-18 win over premiership fancies South Sydney at AAMI Park.

With star hooker Harry Grant still in a knee brace and set to miss another few games, Smith said he hoped to be judged on Storm’s results going forward.

Brandon Smith was one of the Storm’s best on Thursday night. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“I don’t see it as my audition,” he said.

“If Harry comes in and he’s the best option for the team then so be it, but my main focus is the next two games against Parramatta and Penrith.

“My main objective is just to get the wins there.

“It would be a hard case to argue with that spot if we potentially beat three of the top four teams from last year, so that’s the main focus.”

Bellamy was quick to praise Smith’s performance after his No. 9 played 69 minutes in the win over the Bunnies.

“I thought he played great and was one of our best,” Bellamy said.

“He’s definitely a different dummy half to the one we’ve had for 20 years, but I thought he did a really good job and defensively he was really good for us.

“I wasn’t quite sure how long we’d play, but to play those sort of minutes in his first game was outstanding.”

Harry Grant is expected to be out of action for at least the next three rounds. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Smith admitted he surprised even himself.

“Nah, I wasn’t confident at all (with playing as long as I did),” he laughed.

“I knew I could get through but it was about getting through effectively.

“For a first hitout I actually got through well, which is unusual because my calves generally cramp up bad.”

Smith had some huge boots to fill at hooker following the retirement of Storm legend Cameron Smith.

He said Bellamy did not want him to try and imitate the future league immortal.

Storm head coach Craig Bellamy gave Smith clear instructions. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“Before he talks to me before every game, he pretty much says ‘you’re not Cameron, don’t go out there to try and be Cameron,’” Smith said.

“‘Just go out there and play to your strength and that’s what the team needs,’ so that’s all I have to do.”

Bellamy said he believed his side had plenty of upside as it prepares to face Parramatta on the road next Thursday night.

“I think we have a lot of improvements in us as well,” he said.

“Obviously it’s a big question mark over us and this certainly doesn’t make our season, but there is a big question mark over us with Cameron retiring.

“It’s no secret we’re going to miss him in a lot of areas, so I was really proud of the way they handled it (against Souths) and especially our leaders.”