Rugby league is one of the most demanding sports on the planet. It requires a lot of fuel. Just ask Daniel Saifiti.
The Newcastle Knights and NSW State of Origin star needs the right food to sustain his 195-centimetre, 121-kilogram frame.
"The amount of food I eat changes day to day and week to week depending on the number of days between games and that kind of thing," Saifiti said.
"The game's getting faster and, with the new rules, if you are too heavy you are going to get found out pretty quick. I pay close attention to what I eat so I can keep performing at my best."
Breakfast: A supercharged smoothie starts the day off right for Saifiti. Packed with healthy options including granola, banana, frozen berries, yoghurt, chia seeds, ice and water, boosted with Isagenix IsaPro whey protein, the smoothie provides just the right amount of get up and go.
"I used to have granola and yoghurt but that got a bit bland, so I decided to change it up by chucking it all in a blender. It's just easy to make and easy to digest. If I have something big and we're training early, it can sit in your stomach and get a bit uncomfortable, whereas it's never the case with the smoothie. I feel a bit lighter, and it's easy to drink - I can even have it in the car on the way to training."
Morning Snack: By mid-to-late morning, the field session is done, which means it's time for a recharge. "I'll have a pre-workout before my gym session and team that with a banana or something else a bit light.
"I'll have a post-workout supplement after to keep my vitamins and nutrients topped up also. I know I'll be eating lunch soon after finishing in the gym, so it's about getting the balance right between refuelling and not overdoing it."
Lunch: Lunch is a set menu provided to the team with heaps of good lean protein and vegetables.
"It's really tasty while still being healthy and nutritious. If I'm not at training, I'll make a wrap at home with cooked chicken or ham and salad, or sometimes the boys will go out for a feed at a local cafe if we have a day off."
Afternoon: "I always keep fruit around, as it's easy and quick and not too heavy with dinner coming a couple of hours later."
Dinner: Daniel and his partner Mikenzie eat simply, with dinner often taking place early in the evening so he can rest and recharge after a big day and get himself ready for the next.
"I'm a meat and veggies kind of guy. So I'll have a steak or chicken breast, around 400 grams of either. I always try to eat until I'm satisfied, rather than 'til I'm full, so I keep my weight nice and consistent. I try to stack my veggies up as much as I can, as it makes me full without adding bulk - corn, carrot, broccolini, asparagus. I prefer roasted rather than boiled, so the goodness stays in. My partner Mikenzie makes a mean salad too."
Favourite Cheat Meal: "I used to love a bit of KFC in my younger days, but I'm pretty good now. It's a very few times a year kind of thing if I have played good and we've won!"
It's fair to say, then, that Daniel Saifiti is a safe eater.
Stockton not Stockland
We hear NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey was on ABC radio on Tuesday talking about social housing in Stockton.
"I'm sure she said Stockland four or five times ... dunno if she even said Stockton," our spy said. "Maybe I'm hearing-impaired, Well I am a bit."
Maybe the minister just misses being able to go to shopping malls.
