What a brilliant day to get down to training! Superb weather that was conducive to some sharp skills work and working through a few plays. It wasn’t a long session, so the report will be brief.

Recovery Is A Cold Taskmaster!

It would appear that an additional component has been added to the Old Saleyards facility. Perhaps I should say that it is visiting the site. A “Cryo-Sport” chamber is parked beside the rooms. Players are required to spend 8 minutes in the freezing conditions inside the chamber as a way of aiding the recovery process.

I had the opportunity to sound out the opinions of a couple of players and my old mate Wicksy was quite colourful in his response. He’s a massive fan of the cold, I can tell. In all seriousness, the prevention and treatment of injuries was identified as a major focus for 2016, and no stone is being left unturned by the football department.

Danny Wicks has reportedly requested longer time in the van.

The Field Work

After warm ups and ball skills work was completed, the team worked through their plays in a low intensity opposed session.

It appeared that there was an emphasis on their attacking structures. The Raiders match provided evidence of the work that’s been put into the attack in recent weeks, and to be honest my attention was drawn to the involvement of the outside men. There was some interesting variations in the plays which should result in the Manly defence being challenged this week. Our halves look great and the execution was sharp.

I’m always impressed with the way BA gives both team and individual guidance during these sessions. The coaching team assume various vantage points throughout the work to provide the team with different perspectives on the plays.

Brad Arthur coaches the team and the individual.

The Afters

This is when you see some of the attention to detail that happens with the coaching team. Today, Joey Grima began with the dummy halves and the speed and accuracy of their service. Our hookers were rolling the ball into the goal post pads and as the ball rolled off the pad, it simulated a play the ball. Of course play the balls are not always smoothly executed, so the small variations of the pad were ideal.

Grima then worked with a small group of players on some hand/eye coordination. The players held an object (couldn’t see what it was) in one hand, whilst catching a tennis ball, hit by Joey, in the other hand. A bit of fun and skill and I’d suggest that our Wenty coach may be a fair tennis player!

Noted

Tepai absolutely smashing a sideline conversion during the afters. Granted that I was observing from the other end of the field, but the kick looked to be up near the 40 metre line and it nearly went out of the grounds. Watch out “Flash”!

Tim Mannah was running as part of the rehab crew, along with Matt Woods. Ryan Morgan has a knee injury and a noticeable limp. John Folau left training wearing his moon boot (“to reduce pressure”) and reported that he should be back next week.

A Message To The Fans

I had the opportunity to speak to Manu Ma’u after the session. I commented on how great the try line defence was early in that second half against the Raiders. He replied that it felt great too. I asked whether the boys realised that the crowd had given them a standing ovation and he said that they did and that it gave them a big lift. The fans do make a difference.

Manu Ma’u – “the crowd lifted us.”

Quick Shout Out

Cheers to David (Walpy), a fellow teacher and passionate Eels fan who also ventured down to training today and shared some time talking all things Parra. A big thanks to the players who said hello or shared a few words today.

Sixties

All images courtesy of the Parramatta Eels

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