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Local boy Joel Wilkinson took the opportunity to get away from the Gold Coast in the off season and take in a bit of adventure at the same time.
 

Wilkinson headed across the ditch to New Zealand, and made the most of it.

"I went over to New Zealand with Zac Smith and his mate and did all the tourist stuff like going to Queenstown," said Wilkinson.

I also went sky diving and bungy jumping for the first time, which was good fun.

Wilkinson has already encountered a minor hiccup in the off season, but nothing too serious.

"After I had been back at training for a week, I had to get my appendix removed," he said.

"That set me back a couple of weeks but I am slowly getting back into it and I am ready for the pre-season."

With the new GC SUNS High Performance team in place ready to take charge for their first pre-season, Wilkinson knows the players are in for a necessary jolt.

"I know as a club we are looking to step it up again and it is only going to get tougher," he said.

Having these high performance guys will really help take us to the next level, which is what we need to do as a club.

Wilkinson is also counting down the days until the GC SUNS depart for Arizona and expects a tough time.

"I'm actually really excited. I love the Arizona camp," he said.

"Being from the Gold Coast so I enjoy getting away when I can."

"I know it won't be any easier, but that is what we have to expect."

"It is still great fun; I love it.

As far as any personal goals for 2013, Wilkinson would only reveal one thing, preferring to keep the rest to himself.

Try and train hard and go from there; I am going to work really hard this year.