The gym owner and instructor signed as Peel Thunder’s new fitness coach yesterday morning and said players could expect a hard and intense training program this summer that would not only challenge them physically but also mentally.

The owner and master trainer of Jandakot-based gym Onyx Fit, Gray has practiced martial arts and Muay Thai for the past 15 years.

He has a degree in natural therapy, a Diploma of Health Science, an advanced Certificate in Muay Thai and certificates in naturopathic studies.

After his application for the West Coast Eagles fitness coach position was unsuccessful Gray decided to make a claim for the Thunder vacancy left by outgoing trainer Ryan Coutts.

“I can see a lot of future potential here (at Thunder) and I love to train people who want to train,” he said,

With experience in similar roles having trained rugby and cricket teams to professional fighters, Gray said he would add hardness, toughness and diversity to the Thunder players.

Describing himself as alternative, he said there was no room for softness in professional sport particularly, football and he has already created a program for his new charges which will involve not only fitness work but also exploring body weight and explosive power using different tools and exercises.

Gray will start his new role on Monday when the club kicks off its pre-season training.

“The club is going places so I’m pretty excited,” he said.

“Players can expect hard work but also good fun.”