Over these first three weeks of 2016 training, I will attempt to cover as much of the field work as I can. My aim will be to provide a description of the type of preparation that the team is undertaking for the upcoming season (including the 9s). In acknowledging that I can only provide a snapshot from one field session on any given day, the ambition is to provide the dialogue to accompany the official vision provided by the Parramatta Eels Media.

At the end of each week I will provide an overview and opinion of the observed training from the week.

 Player Conditioning

The players that I expect to push for first grade selection already look match ready. It appears to be a demanding physical preparation, although it is difficult to make comparisons with previous years due to the use of up to 5 venues in the past.

Of note is the individual attention given to particular players. It appears that aspects of physical conditioning are individually tailored for players. Apart from the standard individual measurements kept (beep test results, times for runs, skin folds), players appear to have their training modified from others on particular days. It would seem that this is not injury based, but rather determined by individual needs. Consequently, certain players are not out on the field during particular sessions or may be moved off the field to undertake individual work with a trainer when ball skills or game simulations are taking place.

There appears to be a new philosophy regarding minor injuries or niggles. Players are all working hard on their fitness, even if injured. Case in point, Keiran Moss. This player was in a moon boot on Thursday due, I believe, to a toe injury. On that day he worked on the sideline for over an hour on boxing. It was almost exhausting to just watch this work. To keep the arms up and moving like that must have been a tremendous physical exertion.

Who Caught My Eye?

Not the best conditions for nominating, but here’s a few players that stood out for various reasons.

• Beau Scott – has a real presence out there
• Tim Mannah – a machine at training
• Clint Gutherson – fast and fit
• Michael Gordon – must be close to the fittest player
• Danny Wicks – recovering well from surgery and is in great shape
• Rory O’Brien – complete physical transformation
• Matt Woods – pushed himself to the limits. Held nothing back
• Isaac de Gois – a real competitor in everything he does

Varied Training

I have observed different field work on each day that I’ve attended. This is not just referring to the work that the entire squad completes together, but also the extras and group work that occurs at the conclusion of each session.

Some of this variety appears to be position specific. This is standard fare, with players in the back 3 positions taking high kicks, both in attack and defence, or forwards practising tackle techniques.

Another variation is role specific. Again this is typical and will involve kickers practising a variety of kick types to target areas, dummy halves practising speed of pass delivery or taking the ball forward before delivering, or first receivers setting up plays.

Rotational groups would further add to the variety. When these occur during skills sessions, the duration of the task is timed. To my way of thinking, this maximises the time on the field, whilst managing the large extended squad numbers and keeping the players mentally fresh. The other advantage is surely the individual attention that each player receives. In working in smaller groups, needs are identified more readily and praise can be delivered more frequently. It’s human nature to perform when it’s realised that your efforts are recognised.

The Coaching Team

In these times, the number of staff involved in preparing an NRL team is almost a full team in itself. As such, the head coach is the manager of this group, delegating tasks, coordinating and directing the specifics of each day. There are changes to the team this year and I offer my reflections from this first week.

Personally, I find this coaching coordination aspect fascinating to observe. Countdowns and times are frequently called out. On some drills, the coaching staff assemble in a line observing each group of players as they move through the task, then move to a different vantage point together as the direction of the drill changes. It’s almost as if the coaching and support staff are a synchronised activity on their own.

Assistant coaches and trainers are given the responsibility for leading groups during rotations, or even leading whole squad drills. This appears to free BA up to move around to both observe and speak to individual players. It is not uncommon to hear Grima or Devlin as the leading voice during parts of the session.

On that point, it’s  beneficial for the extended squad to become familiar with Joey Grima. With the Wenty coaching position now a full time role (though including other responsibilities), Grima has an important responsibility in transitioning the players into the NRL throughout the year. In any given year, up to 30 different players may be required for first grade at some stage of the season. This means that the majority of the squad will have been coached by Joey during the season proper. I believe that it assists all squad members to identify as Parramatta NRL representatives if their coach is on the Parramatta staff rather than being a part-time Wentworthville employee.

As for Brad Arthur, I’ve been a huge wrap for the bloke from the time he took on the coaching position. He immediately made an impact on me when I observed his movements on the field as the players trained and I heard the way he spoke to the players. As a layman, I continue to see development in his coaching methods. In some instances it’s easily identifiable through the drills and the coaching methods which are changing each year. In other instances, it’s unquantifiable. It’s just a vibe that can be felt as the players go through their paces.

 Wednesday and Friday

I did not report on these days. Wednesday was just atrocious weather-wise. Foolishly I ventured out in the rain to Old Saleyards and found Michael Gordon practising his kicking. Encouragingly, he was nailing them from up to 40 metres out from angled positions.

On Friday I was only able to catch some of the squad working through set plays attacking and defending the try line. My vantage point was not the best and it did not warrant a dedicated report.

The Coming Weeks – What I Hope To Report

During this first week I offered little in the way of observations about combinations. In the coming weeks, I’m looking forward to seeing how our halves are controlling the play, what our right side of the field will look like and maybe offer some insight into the preparation for the 9s.

Author’s Note – Important

There is an increasing interest in watching the team prepare for the season. As such, there are a number of interested fans who turn up to check out training. However, this is the workplace of the football department and not an open training session. There are some guidelines to remember.

1. Do not approach the players or the staff as they train. They are at work.
2. Do not stand on the sidelines. It is best to remain behind fenced areas. If you are beside the field, you will be asked to move.
3. The players get short breaks between sessions. If they walk past you on their way to their car or to pop out to buy a drink or something to eat, remember that this is a set time that they get for a break. Some may say hello as they walk past but please don’t hold them up as they only get a short break.

In short, it’s all about respecting their workplace.

Sixties

If you liked this article, you might consider supporting The Cumberland Throw.