I’m going to begin my report today with an apology. I spent far too much time talking today, and not nearly enough time watching the blokes go through their paces. My observations will therefore be brief and probably not as detailed as I prefer. However, I thoroughly enjoyed attending today and will explain the reasons for my positivity.
The Footy Stuff
Plenty of laughs could be heard early on the field as the players engaged in some old school warm ups. There was a great vibe evident as the players moved into their field work.
Some facts to note:
- Tepai and Morgs were back doing match simulation work, having previously undertaken individual programs during field sessions
- The forwards were hitting the ball up at pace today, with tackle pads being used in the defensive line
- The speed of the play is, to my eye, up a notch from last year
- Kaysa Pritchard is absolutely lightning fast out of dummy half. He would be ideal for 9s football
- Corey Norman continues to impress – his kicking game looked outstanding today
Butterfly Effect – Were the Eels the biggest winners out of the Great Centre Shuffle of 2015-16?
The Big Question
Yes, Michael Jennings was again in action and ….. trained on the left alongside Semi. The right side featured Gutherson outside Taka. It will take some time for the new combinations to gel, but I’m excited about the potency on both sides of the field.
A New Superboot?
Last year I reported on the hidden talents of Manu Ma’u after observing him land a sequence of kicks from the sideline (it was suggested that the ball was too scared to miss!). Today it was Tepai’s turn as he landed one kick after another from the sideline whilst having some fun after field work.
Nicknamed ‘Ferrari’ for his sheer speed on the field , injured speedster Kieren Moss showed he is all class off the field too by reaching out to fans at training.
There’s Some Great Blokes in This Club
Earlier I apologised for talking far too much today. Steve Sharp was in attendance and spent time chatting with Geoff, David and myself. Steve will often take the time to talk to supporters and I appreciated that opportunity today.
Brad Arthur often acknowledges the fans in attendance (as he did today) and, though he can’t break away from training for a conversation, he may call out a g’day or maybe say a few words as he walks past.
I also had a chat with Keiran Moss after he completed his work. What a humble and friendly bloke this new recruit is. Unfortunately Keiran is currently in a moon boot, having sustained a toe injury. This is a shame, as he is probably on par with Bevan French as one of the fastest players in the club and was in line for 9s selection. Interestingly, Keiran reported that a feature of Eels training is the motivation to train harder than the bloke next to you and that every player had that attitude.
Finally, I spoke briefly with Joey Grima, but it’s not my chat that I wish to report on. It’s the way that Joey engaged with some others after training. Steve (I hope you’re reading this) and his family arrived during the latter part of training. As Joey started picking up some gear, he asked Steve’s older boy if he wanted to join him on the field to grab a few footballs. Having done this, Joey then went over to Steve’s wife and younger boy and gave him his hat. Kaysa then came over and had a photo with them. I’m pretty sure it made their day and it put a smile on my face too. You’re a champion Joey.
I should point out that this is not standard fare at training and it was initiated by Joey Grima after the session was over. Steve’s family had remained behind the fence and were not expecting this. As I said, great people at our club.
I’m still smiling.
Sixties
Credit to the Parramatta Eels for all images used.
Love reading these positive articles. Excellent quality..
Cheers Pete. I enjoy being there.
Interesting that Taka has been training on the right side for some time. Do you think 60s that BA knew Jennings was coming for some time thus changing Taka’s side?
That may have been, but if so I may have expected to see Gutherson train outside Takairangi before instead of at centre. I’d say one can’t count the chickens (or the Rooster?) before they hatch. Sorry for the pun!
Keep these coming, the fans really appreciate your work.
On another note any news on who we may be losing if anyone? Cheers.
Thanks Erbs. There has been speculation about Pauli in the media but nothing has been finalised. I can assure you that BA doesn’t want to lose anyone. The spirit around the place is brilliant.
I hope we don’t as these juniors (no pun intended) have so much potential, especially Pauli Pauli and Junior Paulo.
Do you know why the Eels have been starting their training sessions at 4am on some occasions?
This was done last Friday to change things up a bit. It was a bit of a surprise but the boys were rewarded with an early finish.
Sixties, you make me feel as though I was there. Really appreciate the time you put into these updates.
Appreciate that 70s! Keeps me off the streets!
Great work Sixties. Are Moeroa and Edwards training as a edge or middle forwards? Thx
Great work Sixties. Are Moeroa and Edwards training as a edge or middle forwards? Thx
Edwards has been on the edge and until this week, Tepai has been working individually on the sideline.
Once again Sixties great read. Its amazing to have this much access via your reports 😃 Thanks.
Appreciate the comment mate. It’s back to work and the real world soon. The offer of paid work to be a full time fan never materialised and the lotto ticket didn’t come good!
Good read a again mate. I imagine some of those boys may have kicked goals as juniors too…and Tepai being an all round sportsman may just be one of those guys who’s very good at many things.Cheers and good story again.
Great read again 60’s great stuff. Do you know if there has been any talk at training around the squad to contest the nines tournament in Auckland.
Hi mate, I think that they were looking to tell the players this week. I’m keen to find out too!
Hi craig send me a message in regards to training times from tomorrow mate im keen to drive down from Newy for a look over the next few days.
Sorry mate didnt leave a name.