By Wayne Cousins

BACK AT IT...Wests Tigers players (left to right) Peni Tagive, Aaron Woods, Keith Galloway, Danny Galea and Corey Payne undergo a simulated altitude breathing test at Concord Oval.

There was plenty of excitement and anticipation in the air at Concord Oval on Monday, November 17, when the Proton Wests Tigers began pre-season training for the 2009 Telstra Premiership.

After enjoying their six weeks holiday break, a large majority of the top 24 man squad were put through skin folds, aerobic fitness and weights testing under the watchful eye of Wests Tigers Performance Co-ordinator Cherry Mescia.

Only Benji Marshall, Dene Halatau and new English recruit Gareth Ellis were absent due to Rugby League World Cup commitments.

In a positive sign, hooker Robbie Farah began some light training following recent back surgery.

Head Coach Tim Sheens spoke to the players about the season ahead and what his and the club's expectations were, both on and off the field.

Sheens has also called up the likes of talented players Rhys Hanbury, Alan Schirnack, Matt Davidson, Aaron Woods, Nathan Waters and Josh Lewis, who will spend some time over summer training with the NRL squad.

Davidson received an extra special, warm welcome back to Concord Oval after his recent battle against leukemia.

Later in the day, the Wests Tigers Toyota Cup squad held their first training session under new coach Grant Jones following an orientation session last Friday.

2009 Wests Tigers NRL squad

Blake Ayshford
Dean Collis
Wayde Dunley
Gareth Ellis
Robbie Farah
Liam Fulton
Danny Galea
Keith Galloway
Bryce Gibbs
Dene Halatau
Chris Heighington
Daine Laurie
Chris Lawrence
Blake Lazarus
Benji Marshall
Shannon McDonnell
Tim Moltzen
John Morris
Corey Payne
Todd Payten
Beau Ryan
Peni Tagive
Rocky Trimarchi
Taniela Tuiaki

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