A lazy weekend. Its a great time to reflect on the week that’s been and no doubt Brad Arthur and his staff would be reviewing how the squad looks after their first fortnight together. For this author, the last two weeks have consisted of personal visits to training and phone calls/texts from TCT correspondents. In this report I will be reviewing how the squad is training and analysing the difference to the last pre-season.

Fitness Levels

After speaking with the staff, including Brad Arthur, we can report that the players have returned in really good condition. Some players have resumed training in the best shape of their careers. Of course, the consequences for any players “letting themselves go” during the off season is greater familiarity with the facilities at Wentworthville. Anyone with NRL aspirations wouldn’t put themselves in that position.

Conditioning Work

There is a noticeable difference to recent seasons. With new staff including Ronnie Palmer in place, this would be logical. I’m also reliably informed that all of the coaching staff make it a point of bringing a number of new drills every year. Just as every player is expected to step up each year, the coaching staff also aim to improve and vary what they provide.

From our observations, a discernible change has been the amount of “up and down” work this year. Many drills have involved hitting the ground and getting up. Our perspective has been validated by the players when we’ve spoken with them.

Let’s consider the nature of rugby league. It’s a game where the most physically draining component can be that repetitive up and down in both attack and defence. The quick play the ball is dependent upon it. The ability to have a set defence requires defenders who can make effort upon effort. The players are being conditioned for rugby league.

The Cougar brings a wealth of experience in rugby league conditioning.

Comparisons With Other Clubs

Each year we get a new group of recruits from other clubs. In recent times I’ve been curious about the difference between the Eels and other organisations when it comes to preparations. I’ve spoken to a number of players and staff and some of the feedback is well worth sharing.

Firstly, there is a quantum leap from where we were just over two years ago. With training happening at multiple venues every day, including Richie Benaud Oval, the Eels were among the poor relations of the NRL. The Old Saleyards development has changed the status of the club, with Parramatta now regarded as having one of the best training facilities in the NRL.

This is reflected in comments made by players who are ecstatic about the way that they are looked after.

Secondly, each club has its own methods of preparing its players. Some players arrive at the Eels a little more busted up than players from other clubs. Other players turn up in great condition but with inferior skill levels. So the impression is that some clubs don’t put huge resources into physio and recovery, whilst other clubs invest heavily in conditioning and recovery but less so in skills development. The Eels like to believe that they are now finding a great balance.

Early Star Trainer

I can’t go past Jamal Fogarty. Our recruit from Queensland might be one of the lesser lights on the NRL landscape but he’s made quite a few people, including us, stand up and take notice. Why? The bloke is supremely fit and leads most drills. “The Fog” certainly looks much bigger than the 77 kg he has previously been listed at (I’d put him at about 88kg). He’s a great talker and encourages his team mates to up their efforts. This leadership quality will serve him well.

Fogarty talks it up at training.

Ahead Of Last Year?

It’s early days but the coaching staff are really impressed with where the boys are at right now. The skills sessions are already in full swing and the conditioning work looks rugby league specific. In 2016 we witnessed a happy and united playing group, something that belied the chaos that surrounded them. From our perspective, the positivity and excitement around the club in these first two weeks is palpable.

Bring on next week!

Eels forever!

Sixties

Images courtesy of the Parramatta Eels

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