It was an early start to the field session as the Eels hit the training paddock under cool, windy conditions. In a session that involved plenty of conditioning work, the main talking point was the high profile return of a certain, big Fijian. Courtesy of one of our TCT correspondents, we present a quick overview of today’s work.

The Return

After much speculation regarding his destination in 2017, Semi Radradra put a temporary halt on the rumours by presenting at Old Saleyards this morning. To be fair to the big fella, he turned up in superb condition and had no difficulty in hitting the ground running. It’s been the same story with every extended break afforded to Semi – he maintains his conditioning.

Welcome back Semi!

Boys Will Be Boys

Over recent years, I’ve noticed how the staff throw in plenty of fun in the warm ups. The players are just like big kids as they compete in quick fun games as a way of loosening up for the session. So it was today as the first ten minutes was spent in drill games with laughter echoing around the complex. Sometimes the simplest games bring the most fun.

Get Down… Get On Up…

No surprises here. That focus on making effort on effort, hitting the ground and getting up again, continued. This was extended to drills simulating defensive line movement off the try line. Personally, I’m impressed with this game specific conditioning.

Conditioning

Plenty of kilometres were put into the players’ legs today. Early on there was a mix of longer runs with very little recovery time in between. There was an emphasis on endurance and from our perspective, the players look a little more advanced on last year. There’s some physical challenges awaiting the squad as we move through the pre-season (remember the sandhills vision from last year) but from the conditioning perspective they appear to be starting from a higher base.

Gutho leading the pack.

Skills

The ball work drills have become a key feature of the early pre-season. There have been clubs who’ve concentrated purely on conditioning until the new year in recent times. All Eels players, regardless of position, are capable of ball playing. Check out the great images on the Eels official website of the players in action.

Tepai’s fine skills were on display today.

Notable Performers

Apart from the return of Semi, my correspondent mentioned the work of Gutho, Normz and the Fog. These blokes continue to step up as leaders in the group, with plenty of talk and encouragement of others. A special mention was also made of Vave. He’s been doing his fair share of bike work and today picked up more running kilometres. I’ve previously commented that our recruit from Manly would prove to be one of the more popular characters in the NRL in 2017. I had a similar sentiment repeated to me today.

My thanks go again to my special correspondent for the details presented in this report.

Eels forever!

Sixties

Images courtesy of the Parramatta Eels

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