Kicking things off in style, day one of pre-season welcomed the boys back with a warm Sydney summers day and a 2km time trial. 

Waiting anxiously on the line, it was whistle then watches, as the club’s younger players were put through their paces.

Nick Shipley, winner of last year’s time-trial, led the way for the first three laps before Tim Taranto took the lead on the final lap.

It was Taranto who claimed the bragging rights, as he crossed over the line in first place with an impressive pre-season run.

Shipley lived up to his expectations, crossing over the line second.

Young Xavier O’Halloran rounded out the podium, finishing closely behind Taranto and Shipley.

Tom Green was a surprise inclusion at the front of the pack, finishing in fourth, while 2020 debutant Jack Buckley closed out the top five.

Also featuring on day one was new recruit Braydon Preuss, with Jesse Hogan set to land in Sydney on Tuesday. Lachlan Keeffe also returned early, running strongly with the younger players.

The younger players will be joined by the draftees next week to complete a two-week training block before Christmas, with the full squad back in pre-season mode early in the New Year.