Despite more than a decade in the NRL, Wests Tigers veteran Benji Marshall said he's learned more in a pre-season with new coach Michael Maguire than he has in his entire career.
The 34-year-old told Big League Maguire's coaching method has revitalised the playing squad.
"I can't speak highly enough of him because I've actually learnt more in this past pre-season than I have for years," Marshall said.
"There were a lot of nerves amongst the squad when we knew 'Madge' was coming.
"His reputation and the way he trains people is quite hard so a lot of guys were fearful about how hard training was going to be."
Maguire made a point of letting the players know the harsh reality that it's exactly how their rivals train and win.
"He broke it down for us and said 'I know this is hard, but this is the normal way at successful clubs'. He's brought in this element of training to the club that's been a whole new level that we haven't reached in the past," Marshall said.
"The good thing about Madge is that he's really open and honest about everything.
"He's given an honest account of where we're at and an honest account of where we need to get to. I thought throughout pre-season that he brought a real mental toughness and an edge to what we need to do to have a big season this year."
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