Maroons enforcer reveals his $1000 a week grocery bill ahead of opening State of Origin clash at Suncorp Stadium
The Queensland Maroons prop, known for his uncompromising approach on the field, spends $1000 every week on groceries.
Ahead of his 13th Origin cap, Collins said the strict diet is key to staying at the top of his game.
'I'd love to not spend $1000-a-week on f***ing groceries,' he told News Corp.
'But that's what I've got to do.'
The 106kg enforcer loads up on grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, organic eggs, and fresh produce from his local farmer's market.
It's all part of a 6000-calorie-a-day routine designed to keep him primed for battle.
'I'm also trying to fuel my family with the right stuff,' Collins said.
'It's bigger than me.'
His wife Kaylah caused a stir earlier this year by sharing their shopping habits online during Australia's cost-of-living crisis.
The couple, based in Bondi, have an 11-month-old daughter, Georgia.
Breakfast consists of half a kilo of grass-fed beef mince, six eggs and an avocado.
Morning tea is yoghurt, banana and honey. Lunch is typically meat, rice and veg, while dinner is more beef or steak with rice and greens.
Collins says the transformation began after joining the Roosters in 2017. He worked with former NRL star Anthony Minichiello to overhaul his eating habits.
'I used to eat Weet-Bix with sugar every morning,' Collins recalled.
'It's been a long trial and I'm still working out the kinks.'
He steers clear of processed food and fast food chains.
'If I don't know what the ingredients are, I don't eat it,' he said.
While he avoids Coke and burgers, he does indulge in one guilty pleasure.
'Chicken wings from a local burger store,' he admitted. 'Not the big chains.'
Collins has become a key part of Billy Slater's Queensland setup since his 2020 debut.
Despite a recent knee injury, he's fit and firing ahead of Wednesday's series opener at Suncorp Stadium.
'I felt I could've come back earlier but the bye gave me another week,' he said. 'It worked out really well.'
Collins says the Origin arena still gives him chills five years on from his debut. 'It's still hard to explain,' he said. 'I try not to take it for granted.'
While Collins is preparing for battle, teammate Moeaki Fotuaika has issued a plea to the referees, calling for leeway when it comes to high-contact rulings in Origin I.
'Controlling aggression is important,' he said. 'But I hope they let a few slide.'
Fotuaika will start alongside Tino Fa'asuamaleaui in Brisbane's front row. Both missed key matches last year but are determined to lay a physical platform in 2025.
'Tino's a big lad,' Fotuaika said. 'His presence gives us all confidence.'
When Fa'asuamaleaui got the call-up, he gave Fotuaika the nod. 'We all knew what that meant,' Fotuaika smiled.
Coach Billy Slater has also called on Reuben Cotter to step up after a disappointing 2023. Cotter is expected to switch between edge and middle roles.
'I'll find myself in the middle at some stage,' Cotter said. 'We're up for the fight.'
With Tom Gilbert ruled out again, Slater has brought in rookies Trent Loiero and Beau Fermor. The pack is under pressure to deliver after being outmuscled in last year's series.
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