Josh Mansour has experienced plenty of highs throughout his rugby league career.

So when he says his form hit “rock bottom” in 2019, he truly means it.

The Penrith winger endured one of the toughest seasons of his career last year, and at one stage, found himself dropped to reserve grade as he struggled to produce the performances that have seen him represent both Australia and NSW.

Round 20

Watch the 2020 NRL Nines tournament LIVE & On-Demand on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

“When I look back at 2019, I just had no balance in my life,” Mansour told foxsports.com.au

“I wasn’t handling things well off the field like I should’ve been. I was really struggling.

“On the field, I was playing busted when I should’ve swallowed my pride. At the time, I thought I was putting the team first by playing, but I was actually hindering the team’s performance, by me not playing to my full potential.

“It was a big lesson for me. I was a disappointing year, but it was one where I definitely learned a lot.”

Penrith's Josh Mansour has been leaving no stone unturned. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

READ MORE NRL

FEATURE: Dylan Walker details how he’s turning himself into a new man

RADICAL SWAP: Storm to ‘lease’ best young star to Tigers for one year

BEST 17: Knights spine undecided as young gun, utility fight it out

As the Panthers’ attack spluttered last season, Mansour managed just one try in 19 games, while his error count was a career-high 31.

Despite that, Mansour believes the struggles he faced in 2019 have only made him hungrier to succeed this year.

“Last year was definitely disappointing and I can’t play this coming season the way I played last year,” he said.

“I really feel like I hit rock bottom the way I played last year, but there’s no better way to start a foundation from rock bottom.

“I’m doing everything I can to play the best that I can, not only for myself, but for the team — that all starts here, right now.”

Indeed, Mansour has been leaving no stone unturned as he looks to bounce back to his best.

The powerhouse flyer often posts on social media about the extras he does away from day-to-day Panthers training.

“I’ve been doing a lot of stuff like looking at other athletes around the world, ones who have dominated their sports,” Mansour said.

“One of those things was doing extra stuff away from training where I’ve really seen the beauty in that.

“Whether it’s just stretching, doing pilates … I guess when I was young, I didn’t really have a full perspective on things. I was just happy to play rugby league.

“The older you get, you see the benefits of stretching, you see the benefits of extra gym work, extra speed work, all that kind of stuff.

“I’m just doing all I can to prepare for 2020.”

The 2019 season was a tough one for the Panthers. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

READ MORE NRL

FOLAU FUME: Super League boss filthy at Catalans’ decision to sign Israel

OPINION: Folau’s league return is a big f*** you to the game’s principles

So who are some of those high-profile athletes Mansour draws inspiration from?

Always looked to Kobe for motivation and inspiration, this is crazy I can’t believe it. ⁣

⁣RIP Kobe 🐐 — Josh Mansour (@Josh_Mansour) January 26, 2020

“I’ve got to say, God rest his soul, Kobe Bryant was my number one influence,” he said.

“He was someone who I really looked up to. When the news broke of his death, it really affected me.

“I don’t even know him on a personal level but it was really sad to see what happened to him and his beautiful daughter and the people on that flight.

“I also get a lot of motivation from my grandfather. He’s someone I really looked up to as a kid and he’s always been about hard work and putting his family first.

“Those two people have been really influential for me.”