It’s been a couple of weeks since we’ve been able to report on pre-season training. Now, thanks to the great work of our correspondent Parrathruandthru, we can give you a run down on some training highlights as the Eels prepare for their final trial against Penrith. Here are his observations from the opposed work:
Foran Looking Good
- Nice work with edge forwards in attack
- Exhibited great pace running down Pritchard after a charged down kick (Pritchard is in the top half dozen over 40m)
- Strong defence, including a memorable hit on Kelepi.
- Big talk, especially in defence
- Kicking game very impressive
Ladies and gentlemen, Mr K. Foran
Others To Shine
- Michael Gordon adding a lot in attack. His passing game will be put to greater use at the Eels.
- Norman’s passing game again looking good, with some nice role interchange with Foran.
- Cornish and Kelly executed some nice plays for the “pink” team. (Sixties note – the Nines highlighted the depth in the squad and the competitiveness that this creates at training)
Mitch Cornish – continuing to press his claims.
Interesting to Note
- Wicks back in full training
- Bike work for Choc today
- Extras in handling for Peni (hasn’t this improved so far! His work in the Nines was outstanding)
- IDG playing as second hooker in the “blue” team
- Virtually every player worked on some sort of extras after the opposed work
The reward for the demanding training over the pre-season was the success in Auckland. The enjoyment for TCT has been witnessing the hard work of the players and coaching staff and being able to describe it for our fellow fans. The players truly executed the work that we were fortunate to report on.
The next step is a full strength hit out against the Panthers. Whilst still a trial, it will provide a guide to some combinations and structures heading into the opening round.
My thanks to our “Friend of the Throw”, Parrathruandthru for his astute observations. Thanks mate.
Sixties
All images courtesy of the Parramatta Eels
Thanks parrathruandthru, appreciate this, missed these a lot over the last couple of weeks.
I would like to thank Joey Grima for taking a minute of his time today to explain a drill that he had Michael Gordon doing.
I came way enthused by the “kid in a candy shop” grin on his face. He was really excited by the fact that there is something that he can teach an experienced 1st grader with state of origin experience. The professionalism and amount of times I have seen Gordon complete this drill tells me he knows he is getting something from it and it shows in the opposed sessions..
Joey told me of another player who he wants to get to do the drill. I’ll keep the players name to myself but his explanation of what skill the player already has and why he thinks it will take him to another level will be exciting for all of us if he adds it to his game.
I’ve been told that players are struck by the fact that they are actually being coached at Parramatta in the little things. Its quite amazing that clubs everywhere assume that players at this level are ready to play.
I’ve been told that Ken Gentle made Alvaro his project last year and we all saw the level he finished at the end of the year.
Its great that Parramatta is a club where the head coach is not looking over his shoulders waiting to be stabbed in his back by his assistants.
Almost the whole squad finished today’s session with about 15mins of extras depending of their position
A couple of forwards even practiced playing the football. This was after BA had one of the assistant coaches watching the play the ball specifically to pull up and played incorrect. Happy to say that none were
Spot on comments mate. I’ve commented before about how players appreciate being coached in the skills of the game.
As for the coaching staff, it’s such a great team. BA gives his assistants a genuine voice. I’ve known of other assistant coaches at our club and others who weren’t allowed to have that voice, which seems almost ludicrous. At training, BA obviously both trusts and values his assistants.
This is a genuine team.
Nice one PTAT, appreciate the rundown, mate who it the real tall bloke in the cornish pic back left with the interesting hair cut?
Taka.
I’m getting pumped for round one. GETTING PUMPED!
Love your work boys.Bring it on.
Much appreciated parrathruandthru and sixties! Great read – I particularly love the Michael Gordon anecdote, I think he’s going to be a very special part (and understated) of what we do this year!
thanks Sixties and crew, this site has certainly given the fans more insight on what is going on in preseason. Great work.
Vince
Cheers Vince. It’s thanks to fellas like Parrathruandthru and Tom that we can provide training blogs beyond my usual stretch.
A fantastic read as usual. Thanks parrathruandthru!
Really looking forward to the Penrith trial and taking a look at our new combinations, which ones are more dangerous and unexpected combinations perhaps.
It sounds as if Joey agri a knows his stuff and I can take a pretty decent guess at who the ‘nameless’ player is mentioned. If Joey can pass on information to further his what is already a very decent skill set, then go Joey!
I can’t wait to see Mick Gordon run out for us. Roll on Saturday night!
Joey Grima is a great addition to the coaching staff – no doubt.
Great read Parrathruandthru. I also think Peni will be good. Gordon looks sharp. Good work mate. Not many more sleeps…😴😴
I know that this is a little off topic however reading this article convinces me that the Eels are heading in the right direction again and turning the club around. However I am beginning to become irritated by the discussion from the NRL recently around an off field cap being considered under the auspices of stopping clubs overspending. Clubs are overspending because they are attempting to overcome the disadvantage of not being able to match TPA’s of some of the elite clubs.
My concern is that clubs need to attract quality players to their squad to be successful. In order to do this some clubs such as Roosters and Broncos use their natural advantage of TPA’s. Others such as Eels and Panthers are beginning to put investment into training facilities and training staff. They are able to achieve this because of the advantage that they have with their profitable Leagues clubs backing them.
There are a lot of reasons why players choose one club and not another including; contract money, Coach, likelihood of a premiership, proffessionalism of the club, training facilities at the club, squad strength and makeup and in the case of Broncos if you want to live in Brisbane and play, then basically the Broncos are the only option.
Is it possible to regulate the even playing field of the competition, i am not sure but by putting a cap on “Off field” expenditure as the AFL has done without putting a cap on TPA’s is only cherry picking solutions and not looking at the whole scnario. Rather than even out the competition they will further entrench the likes of Roosters and Broncos into a more dominant position.
I do not want to single out the Roosters and Broncos unfairly both are well run clubs and deserve their place at the top of the competition but when you continually put artificial barriers in the way it sometimes does not go in the direction that you are trying to go.
Just as a thought. If an off field cap is introduced, how do you account for the money spent by clubs such as Eels and Panthers on developing juniors many of whom end up at other clubs with no financial return for the parent club.
The Roosters have been Minor Premiers for the last three seasons. This is due in part to a very good recruitment program and a good coach. With almost all of their top 17 players over the last 3 years being rep quality players clearly the salary cap is not doing it’s job to even out the talent among clubs. I do not believe that an off field cap will make it any better unless something is lso done regarding TPA’s as part of the solution.
Astute comments John Eel. There is a genuine interest in the Eels club now due to the investment in the football department – staff and facilities. To limit the provision of quality facilities screams the opposite of professionalism. If a club spends above their means in their operation, let them face the consequences. Enough of the NRL bailing clubs out.
That would fix the problem of there being too many clubs in Sydney
Isn’t it good that someone from India, Parrathruandthru, is interested in our sport. Lol
Is there any indication of the makeup of the second row for the upcoming trial and first match against Broncos?
Scott on right Manu on left. With Choc on the bike Tep looks to be playing 13. I have a good idea of the bench makeup but I’ll let BA announce that when he is ready
Great observations PT&T. The specific notes on Wicks, Choc, Peni, IDG and Gordon are of considerable benefit as they will all play a significant role in the coming season IMO. They have also been subject to either injury, speculation, ridicule or questions surrounding their capacity to come here and perform, last year or this coming season and certainly not on this site. Your comments ratify in a few words the reasons they have been brought to Parra or in Peni’s case why we persevere with this juggernaut, he certainly is an intimidating sight in full flight. It was wonderful to see him carry the footy into and through the tackle to play the ball without dropping it in the NINES!
Foran looking good, for the reasons you gave is very encouraging.
Thanks again Parrathroughandthrough.
A great read. Thanks guys for a terrific job. Well done.