HE MIGHT be a cross-code rival but Melbourne Storm centre Will Chambers has been battling nature's elements alongside St Kilda players at the Saints' Colorado training camp.
Inspired by Storm half-back Cooper Cronk's venture into an AFL pre-season last year when he went to Arizona with the Brisbane Lions, Chambers has ensconced himself in the Saints' high altitude program.
Chambers travelled to Boulder, Colorado, with the club on December November 26 and will return with the Saints later this week after two-and-a-half weeks of hard running and arduous conditions.
There's been hiking at more than 2km above sea level, where the air is painfully thin and the surface icy, and time trials at altitude.
Skills have also featured in the program, which is where a NRL player would usually be found out of their depth.
However, the Hawthorn fan who played in the Storm's 2009 premiership before crossing to rugby union for two years ahead of a return to league is not unfamiliar with a Sherrin.
"I just try my best with kicking the ball. I'm not great at it but I like to get in there and get involved," Chambers told the club's website.
"The boys have been pretty encouraging so it has all gone well.
"It's certainly a big change from training at the Melbourne Storm, not just the different skills and fitness sessions but the complete change in weather has meant that I'm experiencing a lot of firsts.
"It can be a bit daunting to head into a new group but all the boys have been really good."
Chambers' decision to embark on the Saints' pre-season camp was influenced by the fact the Storms' own summer program is broken up by the recent World Cup, which finished on November 30.
There were 10 players on the Storm's 2013 roster who played in the World Cup, which means it will be January before the group comes together for training.
There were other elements that encouraged the 25-year-old to do something out of his comfort zone.
Cronk spoke highly of his own experiences with the Lions last year, which he endured knowing his 2013 season would likely extend into the World Cup.
St Kilda's sports scientist Simon Kearney was another link, having worked at the Storm in 2011 and 2012.
Chambers is rooming with Saints defender Sam Fisher, who he has labelled a "neat freak" but someone who has helped him acclimatise to a brief stint as an AFL player.
Reigning best and fairest winner Jack Steven has stood out to Chambers, saying he "really rips in and has a go".
Chambers also said the freezing temperatures had been a shock to the system, given he's from Darwin, with the players forming icicles in their hair during a recent hike.
They also watched the Denver Broncos in minus 10 degrees in the past few days.
But Chambers, who is hoping to build on his 2013 season where he was named in the extended Queensland State of Origin squad, is hoping to benefit from the program the same way Cronk did this year.
"The Saints have made me feel very welcome training with them and I'm sure all the hard work will benefit me for the Storm next year," he said.
"The running is demanding and the training is difficult but I would say the hill runs have been the hardest thing so far.
"I've just waddled up them like a duck the last few times. I am doing my best but the Saints are a very fit bunch of boys and it looks like they will have a big season ahead of them."
