Matty Bhoy
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https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/35581025f178634f089487cb08418645
Parramatta flyer Blake Ferguson has turned to a calorie-laden diet of thickshakes and chicken burgers as the Eels speedster attempts to nudge back near his pre-season playing weight of 107kgs.
The NSW Origin flyer is hopeful of making a return in round 24 against the Broncos after missing the last six weeks due to a knee infection which landed him in hospital.
The Eels have cranked up Ferguson’s training load and calorie intake over the past fortnight as they condition the Blues speedster for a return to the NRL leading into the finals.
“Everything’s been ramped-up at training. It’s been like a mini pre-season to try and fast-track my fitness,” Ferguson said.
“I lost a fair bit of weight when I was in hospital so we’ve just been focused on putting it back on in a smart way.
“I normally eat pretty healthy but the club has told me I can go for it in terms of calories.
“I’ve been getting into the Donut King thickshakes. And the Oporto burgers as well. Luckily it’s easy for me to put weight back on.
“I’m trying to eat six meals per day. When it comes to dinner time, I eat two dinners every night.
“I wanted to play this week against the Bulldogs but the doctor ruled me out.
“I’m pretty keen to get back out there and start playing again.”
Eels head of athletic performance Lachlan Wilmot confirmed the Ferguson project was a unique case.
“Fergo weighs in and weighs out of every training session,” Wilmot said.
“From a diet standpoint Blake’s been told he can consume as many calories as he can.
“Not too many footballers get a licence to smash KFC and thickshakes.
“But in his case it’s important and he’s also balancing it with plenty of calorie-packed smoothies and healthy meals.”
When Ferguson switched from the Eels to the Roosters, he bulked-up from 103kgs to 107kgs.
The Eels are aiming to get his playing weight back to around 103kgs.
Parramatta is also hoping to keep their top four aspirations in shape when they host arch rivals Canterbury-Bankstown at Bankwest Stadium on Thursday.
Parramatta flyer Blake Ferguson has turned to a calorie-laden diet of thickshakes and chicken burgers as the Eels speedster attempts to nudge back near his pre-season playing weight of 107kgs.
The NSW Origin flyer is hopeful of making a return in round 24 against the Broncos after missing the last six weeks due to a knee infection which landed him in hospital.
The Eels have cranked up Ferguson’s training load and calorie intake over the past fortnight as they condition the Blues speedster for a return to the NRL leading into the finals.
“Everything’s been ramped-up at training. It’s been like a mini pre-season to try and fast-track my fitness,” Ferguson said.
“I lost a fair bit of weight when I was in hospital so we’ve just been focused on putting it back on in a smart way.
“I normally eat pretty healthy but the club has told me I can go for it in terms of calories.
“I’ve been getting into the Donut King thickshakes. And the Oporto burgers as well. Luckily it’s easy for me to put weight back on.
“I’m trying to eat six meals per day. When it comes to dinner time, I eat two dinners every night.
“I wanted to play this week against the Bulldogs but the doctor ruled me out.
“I’m pretty keen to get back out there and start playing again.”
Eels head of athletic performance Lachlan Wilmot confirmed the Ferguson project was a unique case.
“Fergo weighs in and weighs out of every training session,” Wilmot said.
“From a diet standpoint Blake’s been told he can consume as many calories as he can.
“Not too many footballers get a licence to smash KFC and thickshakes.
“But in his case it’s important and he’s also balancing it with plenty of calorie-packed smoothies and healthy meals.”
When Ferguson switched from the Eels to the Roosters, he bulked-up from 103kgs to 107kgs.
The Eels are aiming to get his playing weight back to around 103kgs.
Parramatta is also hoping to keep their top four aspirations in shape when they host arch rivals Canterbury-Bankstown at Bankwest Stadium on Thursday.
