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AN INCREDIBLE STORY OF SUCCESS

2003 was a dream year for the NRL Premiers the Penrith Panthers. Having finished bottom of the ladder in 2001, 2003 saw them rise and take top honours, finishing top of the ladder and winning the premiership. This amazing turnaround is greatly attributed to the panther's training and supplementation program, implemented by Strength and Conditioning coach Paul Watson.

Paul came to the Panthers from the Cronulla Sharks where protein supplements were regularly used. Knowing the benefits that protein has on recovery Paul wanted to bring this philosophy to his new team.

Paul knew he wanted an Australian made and owned product, he wanted a good quality product and he wanted a product which was free from artificial sweetener and flavours. "I went down to see Big Phil at Phil's Fitness and Bodybuilding in Penrith to get some advice on what was the best product to use" explains Paul. It was here that Paul was introduced to the REDBAK supplement range. The REDBAK products fit the criteria that paul was looking for, so he started to purchased them for the club.

None of the guys had used supplements before and the introduction of REDBAK's Mass XXXL, WPI and Muscle Stack has had an impressive impact on the player's ability to recover from their rigorous training and playing schedule. "The team train 11 months of the year, doing weights four times per week and training four times per week, with a match once a week during the 26 week competitive season". Although this seem like a rigorous schedule Paul says the players have adapted to it in their fitness level and it has allowed them to keep their size and strength up as the year goes on and the competition gets tougher.

Penrith Panthers Team

The Muscle Stack, with it's combination of Creatine, L-glutamine and HMB is becoming more popular among the players because they have a much better recovery rate when using it before and after weight training. The L-glutamine is especially beneficial as it helps to boost the immune system and reduces the risk of player's succumbing to illness.

The new training and supplementation program implemented by Paul has paid off for the Panther's. "Traditionally the team had a particularly bad injury record, but last year we had a really good record, with only 1 player out of the Grand Final". Obviously a lot of the teams success would be attributed to having a full strength, injury free squad throughout the season. Of course there are many factors influencing injury, but improved strength, fitness and recovery through use of REDBAK supplements is definitely on of the factors.

During the of season Paul gets the players to use REDBAK Mass XXXL for its extra carbohydrate content. It assists with energy and recovery, and is particularly good for the young forwards who are normally trying to gain 3-4kg a year. During the competitive season, they use REDBAK Complete Protein and WPI, when extra protein for recovery is more important than extra size and bulk. "We have a kitchen down at the club", Paul explains, "We keep the protein there so the guys can use it before and after training". With some of the young guys who need to put on a little extra muscle, Paul also gives them a tub to take home. Paul makes sure the players have REDBAK WPI immediately after a game to help speed up the recovery process.

Since the Panther's win Paul says other supplement companies have approached them for sponsorship with supplements but he believes "there is no reason to change the products that have helped them get to the top. All the supplement companies claim their products are the best, but it's true what they say "At REDBAK We Sell Results". They are a premium Australia Supplement Company supporting Australian Athletes".

With the 2004 season just 3 weeks away at the time of writing this, REDBAK wishes the Penrith Panthers all the best for the new season and offers their hearties congratulations to Paul Watson, Coach John Lang and the team for their amazing efforts last year.