With apologies for our recent site issues (out of our control), we present Thursday’s training report:
Much cooler conditions prevailed for today’s training. After the heat of the last week or so, you can guarantee that the players appreciated the change. TCT correspondent Geoff was in attendance to provide the details for this report.
Bernie Drops By
It’s unlikely that today was Bernie Gurr’s first visit to training but it was the first time that his presence was spied by TCT. Our new CEO was there to catch the last half hour or so of the field session and to grab a quick word with the coaching staff. I had the privilege of speaking with Bernie at ANZ Stadium on Sunday. It was immediately apparent that restoring the faith of the Parramatta supporter base is extremely important to him. Bernie looks you in the eye and is interested in your opinions. With a wealth of football and business executive experience on his resume, his combination with Max Donnelly and Bevan Paul provides Parramatta with arguably the strongest club management team in Australia. From TCT’s perspective, it was reassuring that he was familiar with our training reports.
The Way Forward
The forwards worked closer to Geoff’s vantage point today. There was an emphasis on combinations in attack and defence, and precision was the key. After each tackle was completed they drilled the order in which they peeled off and which defensive position they would assume. It seemed as if even the smallest fraction of a metre was vital. In attack they continue to work on options taken from dummy half. There was a specificity in their play close to the line in both offence and defence, with positional play from five metres out apparently the order of the day.
The forwards are looking fit and working on their combinations.
Kick It To Me!
It would appear as if the kicking skills of all of the backs is being developed. At many of the sessions the backs are kicking the ball around. The drill this morning was being conducted at the far end of the field so Geoff was not privy to any instructions or goals, but it involved accurate kicks to a specified partner. Of course any player possessing a kicking game adds a string to the bow of the attacking options.
Opposed/Unopposed
After completing their position specific work the players came together for unopposed and then opposed sets. The unopposed sets are like the warm up, getting the players used to their roles without pressure. The opposed work is designed to add defensive pressure and simulate match-like conditions that test decision making and execution. With a new spine in place for 2017, opposed work will be crucial in forming combinations and confidence for the upcoming season.
Bevan French is being put to the test at training.
The boys are applying pressure to Bevan French in his new role. They don’t go easy on him at training because they need him to be prepared for what lies ahead. When 2017 kicks off, our new custodian will have taken plenty of “friendly fire” during this pre-season. Similarly our halves are not only working on how they will combine with each other, they are also working out how they will work away from each other and with their supports.
My thanks go again to Geoff for his observations. Chris and Geoff will both be in attendance on Friday.
Eels Forever!
Sixties
Nice work mate and good to see Bernie getting down to training.
Each report adds to the positive vibes for 2017.
What’s interesting for me as the NRL both stagger and head towards 2017, how little attention is being given to NRL clubs and these early training days for all the clubs, including the eels. Dragons featured in news bit this week about how intense their training was, good call as the players were interviewed after playing golf near the coast somewhere and all in buggies.
Gotta luv that intensity of driving a buggy to get to a golf ball, and how it will help them in 2017.
Being honest i doubt (know) that no other teams supporters enjoy the feed back we get regarding training and the state of our team, a lot of thanks to tct and also to brad arthur who’s brought the supporters into the fold like no other coach at our club has before, really startin to feel like a family club that respects its fans, anyway tct thanks!
These reports are great stuff, adding such an intrinsic aspect for Eels fans. Thanks TCT
I hope you ticked the Cumberland Throw on the member survey.
Thanks everyone. It’s simply a passion for us and all of our associates who keep this site motoring along.
As a family of tragic eels supporters living 2 1/2 hours outside Sydney, down the South Coast NSW, these reports are very nice and encouraging to get. Yesterday we purchased a family general admission season ticket, the first time in 5 years we have purchased one, as the draw means we can make more games next season and we simply want to support our club, especially as they seem to be trying really hard to move forward without all the factions. Like so many others, we were so proud of the team and coaches in the 2016 season. We did attend the Souths game at Parra this year and although it was a heartbreaking end to the game, the fight and spirit shown by players and supporters in a difficult time was awesome. We are so happy and supportive of the direction the club is going and the wonderful information on this site adds to that enthusiasm. Thanks again
Thanks so much for replying Shelley. How great is it that we have a team that we can be proud of! Those season tickets should give you plenty of good times next year.
Good read and the comments are echoed here. We apprEciate the guys getting down there to watch training and then filing reports. It’s also superb that the club allow this, and with it also being a respect thing as well.
I wonder much weight the club wants French to be by the trials…
Cheers Mitchy. We certainly appreciate the access to training that is afforded to Eels fans. As you rightly observed, respect is important.