FRUSTRATION with his lack of game time in last year's finals has spurred Wests Tigers strike forward Andrew Fifita to shed eight kilograms for this season.
Fifita, who was a member of the emerging NSW Origin squad chosen by Blues coach Ricky Stuart in the off-season, admits he was initially upset about how long he spent on the interchange bench as the Tigers charged to within one win of last year's grand final.
But the 21-year-old said he realised he had to get fitter if he wanted to become a regular member of the Tigers forward pack and break into State of Origin. Tonight he takes the field against the Bulldogs at a trimmed-down 110kg. ''I didn't want to be unfit coming into the new season so I have stepped it up at training,'' Fifita said. ''I guess I was getting a bit out of shape but this year I am looking to get my weight back down.
''I am 110 kg now; I was 117kg or 118kg by the end of last season. I could feel myself that I was getting a bit less fitter than I was at the start of the season, so this year I am going to try and do extras so I can play to the best of my ability all season.''
Fifita acknowledges there is plenty of competition for a place in the Tigers forward pack.
Simon Dwyer and Ben Murdoch-Masila are emerging contenders and highly rated rookie Aaron Woods has returned from a season on the sideline with injury.
But Fifita said his selection in the Origin squad had made him determined to build on last year.
''It's a really good feeling to know that you have got to first grade and after that you want an Origin jumper or to play for your country,'' Fifita said. ''You would do pretty much anything for that.
''Origin is the next step so I have to play to the best of my ability. It is just about performing and taking the extra step up every year. I don't want to be known just for my first year.''
Despite not playing at all last season, Woods was also named in the 53-man emerging Origin squad that enjoyed a weekend in camp with Stuart in the off-season. Big things are predicted for the Leichhardt junior.
''It was awesome and considering the year I had last year, it has really lifted my spirits up and made me want to work harder,'' Woods said.
''I was out for 12 months so I didn't think there was any way it would happen. I was just happy to be back training so to get selected in that side was massive. I just want to get back on the field and play consistent footy.''
Prop Keith Galloway, who has enjoyed his first full off-season without injury in several years, said the depth in the Tigers forwards this season would help them to achieve their aim of winning the premiership.
''Definitely, that is our goal. We were close last year and that has been our benchmark,'' Galloway said. [Source](http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/fifita-slims-down-to-get-himself-off-the-bench-20110313-1bt15.html)
