DEAN Hadley can trace Hull KR’s rise to the top back to sitting on a beach in Tenerife ‘looking at the stars.’
Journaling and breathing techniques can also claim their share of Rovers’ unbeaten start.
Dean Hadley has credited Hull KR’s mindfulness sessions as a big reason why they are leading the way this yearSWPIX.COM
For taking players’ minds off rugby league, even for just a few minutes, is proving an integral part of their success.
So far, in league and cup, it is played nine, won nine and a three-point lead at the top of the table.
Now as they attempt to avenge last year’s Grand Final defeat to Wigan tonight, back rower Hadley revealed the secret behind boss Willie Peters’ success.
Having to ferry his kids around the area to their sports training is also helping.
Hadley said: “Willie’s really big on that side of the game and he introduced it when he came in – I really think it helps.
“At the time, you may not think that but it’s one of those extra little things that really helps you down the track.
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“It might not be for everybody but it’s about finding what works for you. We often do breathing exercises as a group – turn the lights off and go through some patterns.
“There’s visualisation stuff we do, as well as journaling. If it helps you on the field, why not?
“And it really does cross over. If doing one or two of that type of thing, if it helps you relax or switch off, it’ll help you come game time.
“To play rugby league at the level we do, you need to get to a certain level mentally before a game. You need to learn to switch off as well to make sure you’ve not burned yourself out.
“Having two kids definitely helps. They play sports themselves, so I often find myself taking them to training.
Rovers boss Willie Peters is as big on mental training as he is physicalSWPIX.COM
“It’s actually rugby league and football – my son plays rugby at Skirlaugh and my daughter plays football.
“Having family really helps you switch off – they become the focus. What we do is tough, so you’ve got to make sure you’re happy and enjoy what you’re doing.”
Peters’ methods, he spared them the chill of hitting the beach in East Yorkshire during winter, may sound out of the box.
But no-one can deny their effect as Rovers look to go one better than last year’s loss at Old Trafford – even though some may have dragged their feet at the time.
He said: “Being on the beach looking at the stars was one the players probably didn’t like. I tried to get them in the water – they didn’t want that either.
Hadley and Rovers face a huge test as they welcome champions Wigan to Craven ParkSWPIX.COM
“It was part of a mindfulness programme we did. When we went to Tenerife, we got them up nice and early doing a bit of meditation.
“It was new and different to them but it’s very similar to what we do on the field. In the early days, though, you hear all sorts of whinges.
“There’s a mental skills programme and the players have responded to that. The difference can be the mentality side.
“I’m a massive believer in that. If you do certain things, you feel better about yourself and if players tap into that, we’ve achieved what we wanted to do.
“And mindset is what separates the good players from the great ones.”
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