LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Fact vs Fiction: Creatine for Rugby League Players
Creatine is gaining significant attention recently, partly due to Patrick Schwarzenegger's character, Saxon, from White Lotus.
His viral seven-scoop protein shake recipe spotlighted creatine, prompting discussions about supplements.
This isn't the first time creatine has been a hot topic among fitness enthusiasts.
Creatine has been a mainstay for rugby league players for decades.
The Melbourne Storm, a dominant force in the sport for over 20 years under coach Craig Bellamy, has championed creatine as a preferred supplement.
This trend isn't new, as creatine was widely prescribed in sports overseas much earlier.
By the late '90s, creatine became "indispensable" in US sports, with notable athletes like four-time gold medallist Michael Johnson using it during his successes at the Atlanta and Sydney Olympics.
Interest in creatine has only grown since then; last year, over 50 percent of NFL players were reported to be using it.
The appeal of creatine is understandable.
It is a naturally occurring compound produced in the kidneys, pancreas, and liver, and its supplementation in powdered form has proven effective in enhancing athletic performance.