Darcy Lussick has iced the beers and ditched the Lebanese food as he looks to maintain his frame after dropping 12 kilograms.
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The Parramatta front-rower returned from pre-season training at a whopping 123kg. Lussick eventually trimmed down to 116kg by the start of the season but has continued to shed weight – losing five kilograms in as many weeks – as he aims to up his game time.
"I've been battling all year to try and get some match fitness," Lussick said. "I did it off my own initiative. I knew it had to be done. I didn't have a problem with my weight. I thought if I drop a couple [of kilos] the niggling injuries would go away and I would be able to get more game time. At times I [felt sluggish]. I looked at changing and it's working."
Injuries and suspension have restricted Lussick to 12 games this season. His game time has also been limited, only playing more than half a game once.
Lussick – who joined Parramatta last year from Manly – said it took time for him to adjust to life away from the northern beaches.
"I haven't noticed much of a change [on the field] yet," Lussick said. "Coming back from injury I haven't played too many minutes. I've tried a few different [diets]. It's the toughest thing. You don't realise how hard it is to keep on top of your diet. I can't remember the last time I had a beer. That always helps.
"I've never had injuries before, I was trying to keep on top of it. I saw [giving up alcohol] as the best way to recover from a game. I'll stay off it all year. Moving out to the western suburbs, the food is unbelievable – the Lebanese food. Over on the northern beaches, you're limited. [I've been getting] my meals portioned."
Lussick, 25, said he hoped the weight loss would help his game, which hasn't kicked on as much as he hoped since his debut in 2011.
"[My career] is not where I want to be just yet," Lussick said. "I think I can go to new levels. As you get a bit older, you can't really be doing the things you were doing when you're 19, 20, 21. You have to look after yourself a bit better."
The Eels play Newcastle on Saturday night knowing a win will keep their top eight hopes alive. "No one is getting ahead of ourselves," Lussick said. "There is a belief there that we're a good team and we're capable."