In conditions which could not have been measured by the old WSC Players’ Comfort Meter, the Parramatta players took to the fields for two skills and conditioning sessions. With a small gathering of interested spectators looking on, including TCT members, the squad impressed on a number of fronts.
The Early Work
Arriving at around 9:45, I missed the backs at work. The forwards had by now commenced their skills session.
As a fan of second phase play, this drill was great to observe.
The focus of their first drill was unloading in the tackle. It was a basic grid/marker set up, with a 3 on 2. The players were being coached to hit a particular shoulder of the defender, to then position their body for the offload to the next attacker who did the same.
Other players were working on their body positioning and rotation for a pass, with a table being used as an interesting prop. I will try to find out about the reasoning behind this prop. This skills session concluded with attacking drills on the try line, working through passing rushes, running lines and zip plays.
Always Look on the Right Side of Life – Brad Takairangi is quickly adjusting to the right-edge.
The Heat Was On
Returning to the field at midday for conditioning and a simulated match was a challenge for the spectators, let alone the players! The NRL referees controlled the simulation.
The squad alternated between conditioning and match simulation. Rather than describing all of the drills and plays, I will focus on highlight moments.
- Taka burns them – with a dart from dummy half, Peats found Takairangi with a nice cut out. Taka used his step and power to break the line, accelerated away from the defence, then put on a nice in and away around the full back. Those watching couldn’t help but applaud
- Peats, Kaysa, Gutho and Semi looked impressive during the conditioning work.
- Twal is really hitting his team mates with some venom in defence.
- Cornish filled in for Foran during match simulation, Foran worked on conditioning during the entire session. Cornish pushes his claims at every run.
- Tepai looked to be playing as a middle forward.
- Scott played on the right side with Takairangi and Gutherson
- Slashing cover defence work in one moment from Semi. Ran down a certain try
- Bevan French played in the halves for the purple team, with Schulte at fullback. Looked very comfortable in that role.
- Norman looks primed – simple as that.
Australia – Home of some of the world’s most venomous beings such as the Inland Taipan, Box Jellyish, Funnel Web Spider and Alex Twal’s Shoulders.
Author’s Note
In attendance today were the Territory boys with Anthony Field. We also had the Eels media team and the rest of our gathering of interested spectators (back to work soon for some of us – hate to remind you fellas!)
Had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Craig Sultana today. After a stint with the Storm, Craig has joined Brad’s team and I reckon we’re on a winner there! I’d like to thank Craig for his time today. Cheers mate.
Fingers crossed for milder conditions at the next session.
#Parra2K16
Sixties
yet again, another brilliant article Sixties.
Brilliantly summed up what we all saw today.
I’d like to add this observation – for those who witnessed Tim Mannah have a cracking season last year, expect Timmy to tear it up again this year and take his game to yet another level if what we’re seeing on the training paddock is anything to go by.
Not only does it look like his work rate and stamina have moved up a notch, but his this guy is talking it up a storm out there, encouraging his players and revving them up to keep on pushing themselves along . To put it simple, Tim Mannah is even MORE inspirational out there .
Cheers mate. You know, Timmy has been so consistent that I’m virtually taking it for granted that he is excelling. I agree about the talk too. He lets the boys know his expectations too!
Sixties, thanks for keeping me abreast of the training activities.
I love to attend and I did last week again, but I am back at work already and getting progressively more busy.
I’m not surprised by your very encouraging report of Taka’s transition from left side centre to the right. My son and I had discussed it in detail prior to him returning to WA. We came to the optimistic conclusion, that Taka was in fact a very versatile and skillful athlete and footballer who loves a challenge. Your report confirms our hopes.
Twal, by your observation is growing in confidence around his peers. This is a good thing for a young frontrower as was evidenced in the development of Daniel Alvaro. I expect to see all of our young forwards progress in leaps and bounds over the coming season as they are work with the experienced players that have been brought into the club.
The boys are looking lean and mean this year. More conditioning and less time in the gym me thinks. Have to say the forwards are up with the back in terms of conditioning performance. Peats is leading the way, kaysa doing well to stick close. Gutherson is a pure athlete. Wicks, Nelson, Manu, Cornish and Gordon look great.
Couldn’t fault any of the work under today’s conditions mate.
Roddy, it’s my pleasure. It’s back to work for me too next week. I might have to try to pass on information through a correspondent for the remainder of the pre-season. I will look into that!
Btw, passed on your regards to Steven Edge at our interview. It certainly put a smile on his face talking about his group of merrymakers back in the day!
Love these articles
Hi mate, what is Craig Sultana’s role? Loving the site btw!!!!
Hi mate. Craig is the head trainer.
Great report as usual 60s. O’Brien and Wicks, how are they going? The only reason I ask is that we only have one large player, Paulo, so wondering if O’Brien (assume in top 25) might make the 17 either partnering Wicks or at his expense. Think we might need a bit of extra size playing the larger packs in the comp, particularly the Dogs, Roosters and Storm which we always have trouble with.
Thanks Glenn. I reckon that the trials might give us an idea about O’Brien. The transformation in his fitness and body shape is a testimony to the hard work I’ve seen at training. Wicks is still in rehab work with his shoulder. Not sure if he’ll play any trials. Danny looks in great shape fitness wise, but you don’t rush a forward with a shoulder injury.
Training is one thing. Seeing someone like O’Brien under full match conditions will give us some idea.
Hi Sixties, would you know if they’re training on Monday & if so the approximate time. I’ve got the day off and that would be a fine way to spend the morning. Thanks
Haven’t been given a time yet. If I get a time, I’ll message you on 1ee.
Cheers