There was an air of excitement across Shark Park this morning, as the NRL Squad returned to training ahead of their Round one trip to Townsville.
But under no illusions of the difficult task that lay ahead, Vice Captain Wade Graham told the media that he and the squad are preparing well for the test in front of what will be a parochial North Queensland crowd.
"They finished off last year (strong), and they've begun this year well at the World Club Challenge, they're looking good," said Graham.
"It will be just excitement ... no doubt they've got a massive region of support up there, and they'll be as keen as everyone to see the footy back.
"They're a passionate supporter group ... and after their success of last year, there's so much excitement for them this year and they'll be looking forward to getting there and watching their boys run around again."
Graham also spoke of the side's hardened mentality heading into the Cowboys match, in saying that he hopes that the many hours of work done on the training paddock throughout the Summer speaks volumes come full-time at the weekend.
Watch the full interview with Graham, now playing on Sharks TV.
