It is with much gratitude that we welcome the first report from one of TCT’s correspondents. Today’s training information has been relayed to me by Tom, an Eels tragic and heir to Chris’ fortune. Much appreciated Tom!
Highlights
* Bevan French – classy in all aspects today
*Taka – looks 10% faster than last year
* Alvaro – impressive – got involved at every opportunity
* Tepai continues to train as a middle forward
* 3/4 pace means something else to Beau Scott
Bevan French – a shining light in today’s field work.
Sprint Training
This was a rotation between 10, 20 and 40 metres sprints. Gutherson and Pritchard were standouts.
In an amazing sight, the players then raced whilst pulling a sled, with a little something extra for any losers!
Cover Defence
This drill saw a single defender pick up a rolling/bouncing ball and then try to outrun a defender on the inside. Naturally backs excelled, but some notable standouts were King and Tepai. Jennings was untouchable, whilst Taka showed great defence, even chasing down Semi mere metres from the try line (we told you he is faster!). This drew great praise from the entire coaching staff and team mates.
A subsequent try line defence drill focussed on forcing the attack wide. The intent is to remove any possibility for soft tries. The team work was really coming together by the end of the drill.
Moeroa – his undoubted talent is now complimented by a strong work ethic.
Fun and Games
The session concluded with a game of offside touch. For those of you not familiar with the rules, you are allowed to pass the ball forward after the initial pass goes backward. (No we haven’t become the NFL’s official training centre!). You only have 2 tackles. This was an enjoyable drill to watch. The action was crazy, with fast hands and players screaming for the ball. Tom was told that the purpose of this drill was to train the players to look for opportunities and space.
Tom’s Note
Watmough was back at training after his paternity leave. King and Peats trained as “blue team” dummy half today. (If there are any questions of Tom, I’m sure that he’ll be happy to respond.)
Sixties
All photos courtesy of the Parramatta Eels.
Nice work Tom … Seamless transition with 60s
Thank you very much!
Thanks for the update, sounds like a real mix
Thanks for the update Tom. You’ve got me pumped re Taka…. Big, strong and and extra few yards of pace could make a huge difference this year. The difference between a good year and a great year could depend on the health of our outside backs where we lack any significant ‘quality’ depth. Cheers.
Thanks Michael. He looked feirce today. Fitter stronger faster
Good update Tom and appreciate your contribution.
Tom i think taka is actually able to run on both legs this season ,played on 1 from round 3 last year and toughed it out until their was no point carrying on !
Great report. Defence is the concern for me, it’s everything. If the Eels can defend well for the full 80 minutes it should be a great season. Let’s hope so!
So who do you think is the fastest at the club? Gutherson?
I would be putting money on Bevan French to win that title, Steve.
Jennings burnt everyone in the cover defence exercise yesterday. He just had it over Gutherson.
Its all relative Steve, different players excelled over different lengths. French Gutherson and Jennings would be my top 3 though
I am really looking forward to seeing French in the top grade.
Hoping he gets at least a run on the wing this year?
Jarryd who..?
😉
Excellent work Tom.
Thank you so much for the report and filling in Sixties size 13’s !!
Nice read sixties. After watching the sprint work who would you pick as the five quickest guys in the club?
Clive, I’ll let Tom comment too, but over 40 I’d go for French, Moss, Gutherson, Jennings and Semi with Pritchard handy.
Exactly what sixties said, those 5 definitely with Pritchard not far behind.
Good job Tom, appreciate the whole TCT & guest reporters effort in these updates.
Really like the footy focus of the site, great work gents.
top read Tom. well done mate.
Looks like this old timer has been usurped! I dips me Parra bucket hat to ya Tom.
Well done Tom, My son and I were watching training a couple of weeks ago and discussing the pros and cons of our blue and gold warriors/team. I was amazed at how he has matured in his understanding of the game and commented in kind. Ryan’s reply was “the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree dad”! It only took him 40 years to realise that?
Must say there is an uncanny perpetuation of that bent here, with Chris and yourself mate. Terrific observations and report, I hope sixties didn’t interfere too much in the translation? haha. I also look forward to your future contributions Tom. Go the mighty Eels! If they play as well as you blokes write a report we’ll be there in September!
Rowdy, I reckon that Chris is pretty proud of Tom’s work here! Wrote strong, done good.
Nice report Tom, cheers
Absolutely loving everything you guys are putting together. Really appreciate the time & effort you all put in, should be proud of yourselves.
Thank you. It’s easy when we love the subject as much as we do. The five of us have different skills and interests when it comes to the eels but when combined TCT is the outcome. So happy you’re enjoying the site.