Warm and sunny conditions greeted the Eels today for their final training session before heading north to take on the Cowboys. Although the conditions were not as humid as Townsville, it was nonetheless ideal weather in the lead up to the big match. The players will be given tomorrow off before flying to North Queensland on Friday.

Referees

Today’s opposed work was controlled by Henry Perenara and a second referee that I could not identify. During a discussion that I had with Gavin Badger at an Eels pre-season training session, I learned that not all clubs welcome referee involvement at training. This is something that I cannot understand as there are surely massive benefits for a team and the coach.

Today, Perenara blew a couple of penalties that Brad Arthur sought clarification on. One was for an obstruction play that the Wenty team ran against the Parra team. After the penalty was blown, Perenara was able to answer BA’s questions about why the play constituted an obstruction and clarified that if a try was scored and it was referred to the bunker, it would definitely be ruled no try. Having the opportunity to question referees over their calls must help teams when they trial their plays for the coming match.

The Opposed Work

The Eels began the session focussing on their defensive structures. The Wenty boys began a series of sets from different points on the field. Taps, scrums, drop outs, turnovers, centre field, left or right side, bombs – the defence worked on organising themselves for the various scenarios. Even when Arthur would call for a defensive set from a line drop out, he would count down the shot clock to enhance the simulation. I’d add that the Wenty boys looked very sharp today and posed plenty of questions for the Parra team.

Jennings takes on the Wenty defence.

When it was time for Parra to use the ball, I noted a difference in the speed of execution between the NRL and ISP teams. It’s minimal but it’s definitely there. The aspect that’s impressive to watch is the work of Foran and Norman. Norman glides across the field and some of his handling touches are sublime. Foran does an incredible job of directing and straightening the attack, and there are moments where you witness the one percent plays like backing up the ball runner on a particular shoulder or presenting himself in unexpected positions.

With every week that passes, our forwards look even more impressive. I’m quite happy for these blokes to fly under the radar, so maybe I shouldn’t be singing their praises. However, I really like the run lines  that they are working on and you’ll see the evidence on Saturday night.

The Role Of The Leaders

During short breaks in the opposed work, Arthur spent quite a bit of time in conversation with his halves. There was plenty of talk about the type of opportunities to look for in attack and how the team could be directed. One thing that becomes obvious is that BA enjoys a great rapport with his playmakers. These moments aren’t lectures and both Foran and Norman are animated in their input. These blokes really look to be thriving under BA’s coaching and there seems little doubt that Foran enjoys the captaincy.

During the extras work, Beau Scott was leading a group of forwards as they ran some plays near the line. This bloke has been a great acquisition for this type of leadership. He leads on the field and he leads at training. I reckon he’s been one of the most astute buys in recent times.

Beau Scott provides leadership and aggression to the Eels pack.

Observed Today

Tim Mannah was participating in the opposed work for Wenty. He was wearing the orange shirt, indicating that he was not doing full contact, so I’d suggest that he’s still a week or two from returning.

In what was the final session of the week, we had a few spectators today. Good to see “Trapped in the 70s” at training again as well as a couple of regular faces.

Just a reminder to anyone venturing down to Old Saleyards that it’s important to respect that this is the players’ workplace. As such, we don’t enter onto the playing fields or the areas around the player rooms. We need to remain behind fenced areas at all times.

Bring on the Cowboys!

Sixties

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