When you're a young teen footballer it's all about the game - who scored the last try, who is top of the leader board and who is the best and fairest.

However one Rockhampton junior rugby league side scored an insight into how the body makes it all possible this week.

CQUniversity's Greg Capern takes Adam Lowrey through his paces.The Norths Knights under-16 side visited CQUniversity's sports complex. They were put through their aerobic paces and found out how the mind plays an important role in sporting success.

Competitive spirit was abuzz when each player took to the exercise bike under the supervision of Sport Science Technician and Cycling Coach Greg Capern. They each tested their anaerobic capacity as part of the 10-second cycling challenge - a test used by talent scouts around the country for a variety of sports.

While many surprised themselves and others with their determination, some found how hard it was to push their body to the limit in such a short time frame.

Associate Professor Peter Reaburn also gave the team a ‘pep talk', introducing players to the psychology behind sports stars and how to prepare to succeed on and off the field.

"The boys were a pleasure to work with and very interested in what sports science could bring to their team and individual performances. They were a credit to their club and their coach."