BY CURTIS WOODWARD

Rising St George Illawarra forward Jacob Host has described pre-season training to-date as “hell” and the hardest he’s yet to endure.

The former Australian Schoolboy played a handful of NRL games in 2016 and it’s expected he’ll lockdown a starting spot this season.

“I’ve had to go through hell pretty much as there’s a lot more running than what I am used to but I feel like the body has really adapted and matured,” Host told dragons.com.au.

“It’s easily been the hardest pre-season I have done in my life and a massive step-up from last season as well.

“The body is definitely feeling it now but I’m ready to kick-on.”

A junior of the famous Renown United club in Hurstville, Host helped the Illawarra Cutters to the 2016 Intrust Super Premiership title while being named in that competition’s team of the year.

“It’s been different with all the different aspects ad interpretations on how we should train,” he said.

“It’s definitely increased the load and a way to condition the bodies so that we don’t really feel fatigued when it comes to the game.

“The younger guys have come to me asking what they should expect and I’ve been giving them some tips here and there telling them to rip in as hard as they can.

“The pre-season is a big opportunity to make ourselves better and that’s what I’ve been saying.

“It will really benefit us and make us better players so it’ll be excited how we rock-up when it comes around to trials.”

Tyson Frizell is guaranteed a spot in the backrow after a breakout year which netted him Blues and Kangaroos jumpers but all other spots are up for grabs which means Host will be fighting the likes of Tariq Sims, Joel Thompson and Jack De Belin who recently broke his wrist in a freak training accident.

The Dragons will play Wests Tigers in a trial match on February 11 before the annual Charity Shield encounter with South Sydney.

@woodward_curtis