In writing about today’s Captain’s Run, it needs to be noted that certain aspects will not be disclosed. This relates to positional changes and strategy. With that in mind I will provide what I can about how the team is preparing for their crunch match against the Panthers.

The Mindset

I had the opportunity to speak briefly with David Gower as he arrived for training. He was very confident that the team could get the job done against Penrith. Furthermore he was full of praise for the job that Robbo is doing. On speaking to a couple of staff members, they praised the positive mindset of the team. It goes a long way in explaining the competitive performance of the team this year.

The Work

A Captain’s run only involves the NRL team. It is not an opposed session, but moves from skills work to practising ruck plays and defensive work against each other. When you watch the team’s warm up on match days, you see some similarity to the early parts of this training. The team then runs through their plays to fine tune their attacking shapes. This is where you get to get some idea about how they will be working through sets.

What I will comment on today was the crisp ball work and the intensity in the work. The players had their game faces on. A few jokes and laughs didn’t distract from the purpose of session. I certainly walked away feeling very positive about their chances tomorrow.

The session is called a Captain’s run because at the conclusion of the run, the players (led by the captain) take themselves through their plays, as they would in a game, whilst the coaching staff look on from the sidelines. The leadership group then gather the players in a circle and address the group, before any player making his debut for the year has to perform a quick dance.

The senior players address the group.

The Dancer

Today, Buretta Faraimo stepped into the centre of the circle and, after the patch of grass was polished by Wicksy, entertained his team mates with his break dancing skills. Nice back spins there!

The Joker

Michael Jennings finished a set play to score a try and setting Tim Mannah into action. Organising a few team mates, Mannah re-enacted the Origin celebrations that had left Jennings ignored by his team in that moment of joy. Plenty of laughs ensued as the players huddled up and cheered with Jenko watching on. Peni Terepo showed his happiness at the conclusion of training by channeling Aaron Woods.

For a team that keeps getting hammered in the media and has every possible obstacle thrown their way, today’s session was evidence that their spirit has not been dampened.

Tim Mannah – Working hard before he has some fun.

Were My Eyes Deceiving Me?

Before training commences the players do some extras and have a bit of fun kicking the ball around. In the past I’ve witnessed Manu, Tepai and Semi bang goal kicks over from the sideline with ease. Today I watched as Tepai landed a drop goal from the sideline near the half-way mark! This young bloke has some amazing skills!

Standouts

For mine, Jeff Robson was one of the best workers today, directing the play, organising his runners and maintaining a strong vocal presence. I was also impressed by the energy displayed by Tepai. He seems to have found an extra gear and was running great lines.

Robbo – a real stand-out today!

I am now convinced that we are in the right headspace to secure a victory tomorrow. It’s the vibe!

Eels forever!

Sixties

All images courtesy of the Parramatta Eels

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