Setting out to build team chemistry amongst the first-year players, Guy McKenna and the Gold Coast SUNS development staff master minded the ultimate team bonding exercise.

Joined by five of the club’s second-year players, rookies Kade Kolodjashnij, Jack Leslie, Sean Lemmens, Jarred Ellis and Louie Herbert embarked on a 21km kayaking trip from the club’s training base in Carrara to South Stradbroke Island, camping out overnight.

Before completing the arduous six-hour challenge, McKenna said that the activity was aimed at fast-tracking relationships with club’s latest draftees. 

“We took the first-year players to the top of Q1 last year and did the skywalk and it’s just about getting them out of their comfort zone,” McKenna said.

“We are just trying to come up with different experiences each year.”

“A lot of it is just about the first year boys sitting back and listening to the second year players and going wow this is what you can expect.

“Instead of experiencing it and finding it out on their own way we might be able to fast track these blokes by some of the experiences others have had.”

Camouflaged by bush, part-time coaching advisor Malcolm Blight and small forward Aaron Hall planned an attack on the riverbank, pelting the travelling party with water balloons just minutes after their descent.

Gold Coaster Andrew Boston said the kayaking trip gave the second-year players a rare opportunity to display leadership.

“It’s good for the first-year players but it also gives the second-year players a chance to show a bit of leadership as well,” Boston said.

“All the first-year players are pretty nervous and they just joined the club.”

“But we are only 12 months in front of them and it’s good to share some advice.”