At TCT, we’ve spent a large chunk of summer watching Parramatta’s pre-season training. The football department are now reasonably familiar with our ugly mugs as we’ve run a rule over the demanding conditioning and skills development expected of a professional NRL team. In reflecting on the Eels’ training and the first evidence of exposed NRL form, the following aspects will surely come under close scrutiny this week:
Game Control And Last Tackle Options
This is the role of the halves and a strength of Kieran Foran. It has also been an aspect of Corey Norman’s game that has been developed at training for the last 2 years. This feature from training was almost completely absent against the Broncos. I’m including the first half.
Even before his injury, and even though he looked the player most likely to create opportunities every time he received the ball, Norman was not quite on song in controlling the game. Last tackle options, the very thing that was emphasised throughout the pre-season, were sadly ineffective through poor decisions or poor execution. No repeat sets from re-starts and little sustained pressure.
It was the ideal opportunity for some half time re-direction, but sadly Norman’s injury eliminated this from the coach’s plans. Luke Kelly, as the second half unfolded, was unable to execute BA’s instructions and the result was almost expected.
What we should expect from next week is greater control with both Foran and Norman taking the field. I would anticipate that Norman might be told to not overplay his options and to play with a little more patience. Having his halfback and captain on the field with him will be a huge benefit. Perhaps the weight of expectation played into Norman’s mind on Thursday night. I think he’ll be better for putting this match against his old club behind him.
Foran will be a vital inclusion for executing last play options.
Communication
Brad Arthur expects to hear the players’ voices at training. Having watched our right side defence, I would question the talk coming from the players during the match. There was some improvement during the second stanza against the Broncos but that would have been a patch up.
A player without a voice is a player that creates a weakness in the team. You don’t have to be barking orders to have a voice, but you do need to talk to the blokes around you. Playing in isolation is not an option in the game of rugby league. After all, isolating a player is a key component in attack plays devised by coaches.
Two things should impact our right side this week. Firstly, the work at training must emphasise the communication between Taka and Gutherson as well as those on their inside. I think that Gordon needs to play an important role in helping their defensive movements. Secondly, the inclusion of Foran on the right will improve the talk on that side. Foran’s own defensive decision making was a feature from the Penrith trial.
Michael Gordon has a key role to play in team communication.
Defensive Aggression And Commitment
Plenty of official footage was made available of the players smashing each other in defensive drills over the pre-season. For the most part, this was executed well during the match. The defensive scramble during the second half also contributed to keeping the Broncos try less in the second half.
Personally, I have concerns over a number of defensive misses around the ruck that could have cost us dearly. As it was, the scoring all came from not numbering up on our right. Nonetheless, I would not expect the lapses from a couple of players to go unnoticed.
An Early Call
I’m expecting an improved effort against the Cowboys but that’s as far as I’ll go. In the fair-dinkum department, this will be Foran’s second hit out with the team so although he will have an influence it will be nowhere near the impact expected after he settles into his role long term.
It’s a big ask to take on the reigning premiers after encountering the premiership favourites, but what better way to launch a season!
Personally, my voice was a bit croaky after the first hit out so I’ll need to review my own pre-season preparations. Nonetheless, I’ll be in my regular Cronin Stand seat cheering the team on this week. Hope to see plenty of you there too.
Sixties
PS – I will be reminding the touch judges to do their job, as usual.
All images courtesy of the Parramatta Eels.
Great analysis as usual Sixties! I agree on the whole last tackle options and repeat set pressure! I appreciate we didn’t have our 1st grade halves but keen to see how we go against the Cowboys.
Cheers Jason. One cannot underestimate the impact of missing both halves. It’s possibly the worst possible way to commence the season. That said, there can be no excuses offered for other errors and BA will no doubt address these.
Totally agree mate! See out at Ringrose…
Sorry I didn’t catch up mate. Having trouble with stairs today so couldn’t manage the stand.
Nice take 60s, i like this training to playing comparison youve done, its interesting to hear how we are translating what we are doing on the training field to the big stage.
Im really hoping BA puts a real lot of focus on aggression, when we are aggressive we play great footy, aggression builds confidence, its a knock on effect, maybe Manu should sit down with the lads and let them know how he see’s things, because he has it in droves.
cheers
One of the few moments of pressure was when taka rounded Darius Boyd up close to the try line and he stayed down in an attempt to milk a penalty and give his side time to have a breather and get back onside. We gave it to him from the sideline.
Great review Sixties. My take on the halves performance on the night was that Kelly holds little sway over how the team forms up and this creates confusion & frustration for all. I re-watched the game on Sunday and besides a couple of dud moves (ie running around in circles then conceding a tackle, or ignoring players coming in formation) Kelly didn’t have that bad a game. The lack of talk AND LISTEN from the team for me was the disappointing aspect of the team’s performance.
Damn it. Got my name wrong
I think I like this one!
When you view the 2nd half several times apart from luke not handling the pressure too well a few looked to be doing thier own thing and luke was a little bit of a scapegoat for the team not rallying around him and placing faith in his direction , yep lukes not up to it but definetly hung out to dry !! Not excuses just reasons ,excuses dont cut it at this level but theres always reasons if you look, obviously lukes last season , just like to offer this ,when your halves go down , cherry evans =. Moltzen ?? Easts already feeling pinch ,no maloney or pearce ,canberra just lost austin /sezer. Cowboys no thurston just another side,, souths just lost reynolds/ sutton , storm no cronk , warriors no johnson , so its becoming more obvious that strength is in depth something thats being adressed heavily at eels by BA hence cornish ,maybe dargan ,turnbull ,french etc ,the trouble with our club their hasnt been succesion plan in place in a long time just stop gap solutions , NO MORE ,theres a plan actually taking place in my opinion thats setting up the club long term and given there will be the odd mistake i really like where BA is taking us !!!