AFTER the unfortunate events over the weekend it's been a case of getting our heads down and just getting on with it.

To be honest, training hasn't changed in any way whatsoever, because nothing has altered in terms of player personnel.

My role as stand-in hooker with the squad is continuing as normal. I suppose one of the main reasons I'm here is to fill in for the role Ryan (Hudson) will be playing when he can train with us next week.

And I've certainly been kept very busy filling in for him, because a great deal of the work we've been doing so far has been game-related.

That was one of the main reasons why we've come out to Portugal - to do some quality work on a decent field, which the one at Brown's certainly is.

Apparently, the reports from back home suggest we would have had no chance doing this because the weather is as bad as ever.

Personally, I'm thoroughly enjoying the sessions out here, although I have to admit I'm finding the going a bit tough.

From having three or four part-time Academy training sessions a week to working full-time with a Super League squad is a bit of a shock to the system, there's no doubt about it.

As well as the work on the field, we're still doing the work in the gym, and I've found watching some of the boys in action and lifting so much weight absolutely incredible. The strength of some of these boys really is unbelievable, but it's given me a clearer picture of the standards I need to be setting to match the full-time boys.

The one who has really caught my eye is Darrell Griffin.

He's not just a big fella, he's also amazingly strong, as are many others in this party.

As well as the work in the gym, we've also been on a moutain-bike ride in the hills above Vilamoura.

That sounds pretty straightforward compared with some of the work we've done, but I can assure you it was no walk in the park.

It's tough, but, like everything else, it's just great to be involved!