A slimmed down Iafeta Paleaaesina admits he faces a crucial season at Wigan as he looks to earn a new contract.
Prop has shed nearly two stones during tough pre-season regime
A slimmed down Iafeta Paleaaesina is determined to make a big impression for Wigan this year in the hope of winning a new contract.
The New Zealander has lost nearly two stones in weight after a tough pre-season under new Warriors head coach Michael Maguire.
Often used as an impact player off the bench, prop Paleaaesina is hoping his leaner figure will lead to more time on the pitch in 2010.
The 27-year-old started just four games for the Cherry and Whites last season having fallen behind Andy Coley and Paul Prescott in the pecking order.
Weight gain
"It's been pretty hard not to lose weight with the training we've been doing," he said.
"My aim this year is to get more game time. I've been used quite a lot in my career just as an impact player but losing weight will definitely help me."
Paleaaesina admits he faces a crucial season in Super League XV as he is in the final year of his current contract at the DW Stadium.
"I love this club to bits and I don't want to leave," the former New Zealand Warrior admitted.
"It's the last year of my contract and who knows? It could be my last. Fingers crossed I can put in some good work and get a new deal.
"I've made a lot of friends here and I don't want to go anywhere else. But the reality is this is a business and I've got to do the work."
Tough
Maguire's tough pre-season regime, which has included spending time at an army camp, has certainly helped Paleaaesina shed the weight.
"He's come from Melbourne Storm who have won the championship twice and we believe he can do the same thing here with Wigan," added Paleaaesina on the Warriors' new coach.
"I believe he's brought the team closer. Training has been very tough - we went to an army camp and had to sleep outside in the cold. That was a real opener.
"I had a lot of respect for the army guys but I've even more now."
