Weyman Hoping He Fits Dragons' Bill

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday December 6, 2008

By TIM BARROW

BIG Mick Weyman readily admits fitness has never been his strong point.

But after a year of injury and suspension woes, Weyman is looking at the hard slog of an NRL pre-season as a new dawn for his career.

The 24-year-old claims improving his fitness holds the key to his development as a footballer.

It was one of the main issues then Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett discussed with the former Canberra Raiders enforcer before signing him to St George Illawarra earlier this year.

"We did speak about it," Weyman said at WIN Stadium yesterday.

"Fitness has always been my downfall, but in saying that I really need to just get on the park and play consistent footy.

"For me to do that I need to have my rehab and that sorted out and they're pretty big on that here.

"I just want to get all my injuries sorted out and start the season as fresh as I can."

In a season where the Raiders qualified for the final series, Weyman spent several weeks on the sideline battling a groin injury.

By year's end, Weyman was suffering from hernia problems, limiting his physical capacity, but has since given him the chance to work on his fitness.

At one stage around 112kg, he now tips the scales at 100kg.

"With the hernia at the end of last year, I'm taking it pretty slowly and trying to get it all sorted," he said.

The fitness issue meant he was often used in short bursts at the Raiders by coach Neil Henry and Bennett is already attempting to mould him into more of a warhorse.

But it isn't the only demon Weyman is confronting.

His infamous nine-week suspension for the "brain snap" where he punched Gold Coast forward Daniel Conn in the face is also something he wants to put behind him.

"It's been a long couple of years with injuries and other things that happen with footy," he said.

"There's a lot of things in my game where I'm just trying to look to the future rather than what's happened."

Michael Weyman

AGE: 24

From: Moruya, NSW

Position: prop

Games: 47 with Canberra Raiders 2003-2008

Representative honours: Australian Schoolboys 2001, 2002

Signed two-year contract with St George Illawarra