SOUTHSIDE captain-coach Otto Suavai knew when he told his Crusaders troops their fitness needed improving that he would have to lead the way.

After eight weeks of competition, Southside stands alone at the top of the Cairns and District Rugby Union A grade premiership ladder, a dramatic turnaround from the outfit which failed to reach last year’s finals.

Suavai, who has been in outstanding form for the side this season having rattled up 16 tries, said improved fitness had contributed to the Crusaders’ improved fortunes.

The hard-running utility said a more intense pre-season training program had his players in better shape coming into this season than it had been for last year’s campaign.

"It was mainly our fitness which let us down a bit last year," he said. "It was just in the last 20 minutes we’d go downhill."

Having delivered the ultimatum to his players that they had to be fitter this season, Suavai knew he would have to lead from the front, and considered himself to be fitter than at any other stage of his senior career.

"I knew if I expected the team to pick up its fitness then, being coach and captain, I would have to lead from example," he said.

Suavai said fitness was not the only area in which the Crusaders had improved on last season.

"Our attitude on the field is a lot better," he said. "This year we’re giving up eight or 10 penalties a game. Last year I’d lose count after 40 penalties."

Suavai said hooker Penani Moevao, lock David Grossleur and prop Derek Faaofo had been instrumental in helping him provide direction for the resurgent Crusaders.

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