As the final six teams prepare for the high-stakes National Rugby League (NRL) final series, a timely study from QUT SPRING members Vince Kelly and Mark Connick published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research offers crucial insights into how training loads affect player performance over a rugby league season. The study, led by Kellyanne Redman from the NSW Institute of Sport, tracked 18 professional rugby league players and examined how concurrent resistance and field-based training impacted lower-body power—an essential attribute in rugby league.
The study found that peak velocity in players’ lower-body power decreased significantly by the late competition phase, likely due to accumulated fatigue from intense training and match-play throughout the season. Interestingly, peak force and power remained steady throughout the season, showing resilience to the fatigue typically seen as the season progresses.
These findings are particularly relevant for the final six NRL teams as they gear up for the finals, where maintaining peak physical condition is crucial. Performance staff, sport scientists and strength and conditioning coaches are urged to monitor key metrics, such as peak power, and adjust training loads to ensure players are at their best for the final series. Reducing training volume while maintaining intensity could help players recover and perform optimally during the most critical matches of the year.
This research provides a blueprint for teams aiming to fine-tune their preparation and gain a competitive edge in the race for the NRL Premiership.