It was a really intense skills session today and both Chris and Geoff were in attendance as the entire Eels squad went through their paces. After initially beginning their work as two distinct groups, backs and forwards, the squad came back together for an incredibly intense final 40 minutes. Here’s how it went down.
The Backs Brigade
The emphasis today centred around kicks and kick returns. With a variety of kicks being placed into the corners, the backs would then work through a couple of tackles in their returns, looking to gain optimum field position, with combinations between the fullback and the wingers after picking up the kick being paramount. All teams need to execute this well, whether it be to create an unexpected opportunity or simply to take the metre work away from the forwards.
The Forwards And The Tough Stuff
The forwards drilled hit ups off the try line along with their line speed in defence. In attack they worked through those hit ups off the ruck pass. In defence they focussed on the target zone for initial impact on the attacker as well as the contact of the second or third man in.
Opposed Work
Yes, the squad are already involved in opposed work this early in the pre-season. The players split into three teams which rotated on and off during this 40 minute game. The contact was surprisingly strong and looked to be easily 3/4 intensity. This meant that attackers were knocked to the ground. During this session, Corey Norman put on an absolute master class. He put Semi away a number of times and created other opportunities with his deception and pass execution. Gutho showed his increasing array of playmaker skills with some nice inside balls.
Normz set the standard today.
Chris also made special mention of John Folau and George Jennings for their standout efforts during this work
The Attitude
I’ve previously referred to the positive attitude and the banter at training. Today it was game faces on for all of the squad. The session was completed with intensity and the players did not hold back in chastising themselves if they made an error. The odd expletive was certainly heard by our correspondents.
On a final note, we can report that virtually the entire squad was completing full contact this morning. This is great news considering the recent years of post season operations and recoveries.
Eels forever,
Sixties
Images courtesy of the Parramatta Eels
Very encouraging to read this Sixties. Do we know how Beau Scott is going? He seemed to have some injuries towards end of season….thanks for report Chris and Geoff.
Hitting out from red zone is something I felt we have not done well over the years, and size and dominant play the balls was the reason. Glad to see this being a focus.
Beau looked strong and trained well. Leading from the front as usual.
Cheers Chris, I just hope he is fit, as I see him as our true leader, and know Manu and Matagi will also. Scott was superb this season.
Now that Fritchard is official can you tell us if he’s training out wide or in the middle.
My guess is quite wide?
ffs
Maybe Geoff or Chris can add to this.
The opposed work may have provided a glimpse at this so I’ll be relying on Geoff or Chris there. What I can offer is that the blokes are all wearing the same training gear, without numbers, so unless the players have a distinct body type or role, with so many players on the field at any time, it can be a challenge to report on every player at a session from the designated viewing areas.
The best time to tell who’s playing where is in defence.
Frank training in the middle
Parrathruandthru, did Pritchard look big..? He seems to be bigger.
Seems about the same size I remember him
He’s a big bloke who would put weight on easy
The Cougar will get him sorted
There was no mention of the Fog. Was he also combining with Norman or Gutho in the opposed session?
Normie & Guth teaming up
The Fog teaming up with Robbo
Thanks Chris & Geoff, nice read.
Corey Norman continues to grow into the footballer we all know and want him to be.
I remember chatting to Anthony Field late 2013 and getting his thoughts about Corey joining the Club. He said at the time “Corey will develop into an Origin quality play maker in his time here”
Although he’s yet to don the maroon colours, I don’t think there’s any doubting that at his current rate of progression, that he’ll start pushing for these honours in the next few years.