Bulldogs.com.au catches up with rookie Adam Keighran to discuss his first ever pre-season under the watchful eye of Des Hasler.
Adam Keighran joined the NRL squad for the pre-season after finishing the 2015 season as an Australian Schoolboy and for the talented half, having an opportunity to learn and work under Des Hasler has been a real learning curve.
“It’s been very tough,” Keighran said. “Working under Des has paid off, because I have increased my fitness which was my main priority coming into the pre-season.
“Des has wanted me to learn off the older boys like Grubby (Josh Reynolds) and Moses, understand the plays and structure, but also have apply an incredible amount of detail into my training.”
Working alongside Moses and Josh has been a real benefit for Keighran and one thing that stands out between the two halves, is their combination.
“The way they communicate with each other, the combination they have both on and off the field with one another has been the biggest standout for me.”
Adam joins the squad with older brother Brad and for the younger Keighran who is new to the gruelling training regime of an NRL pre-season, working alongside your brother is always a great experience.
“It’s always good to train alongside him.”
With only a few weeks to go until the pre-season comes to an end and trials around the corner, Keighran sees the next few weeks an opportunity to work on the finer details of his game.
“I need to focus on consistency on the field in game situations.
“I need to learn the structures and be more dominant with my communication towards the forwards.
Profile
Name: Adam Keighran
Junior Club: Wyong Roos
Birthplace: Sydney
What do you like to do away from football?
Away from football I like to play golf and go to the beach.
What was your first job?
What are your goals in Rugby League?
My main goal is to play first grade for the Bulldogs.
What do you love about Rugby League?
The thing I love most about rugby league is playing with your mates every day.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
My biggest influence would have to be my family.
What is your earliest league memory?
My earliest memory in Rugby League was playing under 6’s when I was only 4 years old.
What is your best moment in league so far?
My best memory would have to be Signing a contract to come play at the Bulldogs.
Best piece of advice you have been given?
Train hard and play harder.
What advice would you give to a young rugby league player?
If you want something do whatever it takes to get it.
Who is the player you looked up to as a kid and why?
The player I most looked up to was Darren Lockyer because he started as a rookie and he kept developing his skills to become one of the greats.
Favourite sportsman and why?
Connor McGregor because he was confident with everything he does.
What can’t you live without?
I can’t live without my family.
What is on your bucket list?
I would love to travel America.
If you could play another sport, what would it be?
I think if I didn’t play rugby league I would be NFL.
If you weren’t playing league, what would you be doing?
If I was not playing league right now I would be studying full time at university.
How would you like to be remembered at the end of your career?
An inspiration to young athletes.
