Although I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas and New Year, it’s fair to say I’m chomping at the bit for the footy to return. With around 4 weeks till the Auckland 9s, you can almost smell the start of the season. This is the time of the year when the players want the coaching staff to notice them. Spots in the 9s squad or in a particular trial can give a player the jump on others competing for a place in the round 1 line up. Judging by today, the coaching staff will have a “happy headache” or two coming their way.
Welcome Back
From my vantage point it appeared as if all players were on deck for this first day back. Geoff, David and I all commented on the happy vibe at training. As a group the players genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Brad Arthur has created a football department that emphasises family as much as hard work. The players know that they are expected to work hard, but they also know that they can enjoy themselves. Not every club has found this balance.
Conditioning
This was the major focus of the day. There was no ball work. This session was all about assessing the fitness of the players. (They will do some weights in the gym later)
In the first instance the players were running shuttles over distances from 10 metres up to 50 metres. They were aiming to complete the designated sequence of runs within 5 minutes. In the backs, Gutho was just a machine and near lapped the rest. For the forwards, it was a tight contest between IDG and Jack Morris, with Kelepi Tanginoa not far behind. To be fair, it may even be wrong to single players out because every player looked to be in great shape.
Gutho – an absolute machine today!
This first challenge was followed by a similar assessment, with the players this time hitting the ground at the markers rather than simply changing direction. This continued the up and down conditioning work that has been so prevalent under the training of Ronnie Palmer. It’s code specific, because rugby league is all about getting up and making an effort after each tackle is completed.
Finally the players completed repeated relay sprints over distances from 50 metres to 70 metres. Players like Kaysa Pritchard, Corey Norman, Clint Gutherson and Jamal Fogarty caught the eye during this work.
At the conclusion of the session, the players and coaching stuff came together. A few words were said, congratulations were handed out and it appeared to be smiles all round. All in all, it was a very positive return to the paddock for the fellas.
Author’s Note
Both of BA’s sons, Matt and Jake, joined the squad in their work today. They’re both talented young footballers and would have enjoyed doing the same conditioning assessment as the players. I will say that the young blokes did exceptionally well.
Marata Niukore – a great addition to the squad!
A thank you to all of the players who came over to wish us a happy new year. A particular shout out goes to Marata Niukore, Kelepi Tanginoa, Peni Terepo, Cody Nelson and Cam King who each spent time with us after training finished. We are very fortunate to have a squad of players and coaching staff who value supporters and take the time to speak to regulars such as Geoff, David and myself. It really is appreciated.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Great read 60’s and good to hear about the new recruits Niukore. He seems to have some good wraps on him and hope he puts some pressure on the 17.
Is anyone from your knowledge on rehab programs?
Looked like Cody Nelson and Siosaia Vave doing rehab. John Folau still has his arm in a cast and will be for another couple of weeks.
Nelson is unlucky imo and is a good player.
Vave could be our Best Buy if he stays fit
Vave has made great strides with his fitness during the pre-season. I’m keen to see him in action this year.
Sixties good report especially as the players came back following the Christmas break in good condition, that shows a big positive attitude with their commitment to what they are facing over the coming season.
Interesting in regard to the four players to catch the eye you mention as their names are coming up over at the other site with the exception of Norman. For those prepared to write Gutho off for the 6 spot, I tend to think they will have eggs benedict to look through.
The eels home page has a downloadable wall paper now available and trying to put names to many is a bit hard but one that I took notice of and belies his basically baby face is Jack Morris, as he looks much bigger than I thought, he may end up being a big surprise package.
Jack Morris has really kicked on in this last 12 months. He and Akaufolau have really put their hand up during this pre-season. Don’t expect any rush with them – they have talent and will be developed.
PS. Sixties you mention that Foloa has his arm in a caste, wasn’t that removed last season and he played towards the end of the season?
If its still or back in plaster must be having some issues with the bone setting properly.
Required an operation on his wrist. Not sure what the issue was/is but i think its a maintenance issue rather than a break
Good update Sixties, looking forward to see who takes advantage of the opportunities they have and they create.
A few of them are keen to play the 9s. They had a great time last year.
Thanks Sixties, another excellent update and like you I can’t wait for the season to start. This week is occupied by the cricket test for me but the eels are my team above any others and its great to get these knowledgeable insights into how the squad is progressing. Very disappointed though that I wasn’t there as Peni is a bit of a favourite of mine and would have like to have met him.
Keep up the good work, always appreciated.
It was good to talk with a few of the fellas, including Peni. A bit of footy talk but also just a bit of chatting about what everyone got up to over the break.
Peni is probably one the nicest people ive met in footy and after what hes gone thru to chase and achieve his dream he deserves the admiration of us all!
Gutsy player Peni, the way he hits it up. I know he’s a big guy but he goes 100 miles an hour. Like the way he takes in the opposition.
Hi Mitchy.
This is probably for another blog but briefly, who misses out from your top 17?
Not a team list, just the notable players that you can’t find a spot for?
I did mine recently and couldn’t find a spot for both Gower and Terepo? Both great players but we simply have some incredible depth now and a couple must miss out? I realise that there will be opportunities for those that miss out to cover injuries and the like…
Thanks again to TCT for covering these training days. Looking forward to the next few and as I’ve stated before, what combinations are really clicking between the boys.
Just thought I’d throw in my two bob’s worth Grunta. Personally, I’d lock Peni in.
Yes I’m thinking th same. sixties.
OK…who do you leave out to let Peni play? 😉
Your lock ins are Mannah, IDG, Matagi, Scott, Ma’u, Moeroa, Edwards, Terepo.
We then get to the two other spots – and the headache! What to do with the bench?
Four forwards? 3 forwards and extra dummy half?
Pritchard, Pritchard, King, Vave, Brown, Niukore, Alvaro, Gower, Tanginoa.
For round one I think he’ll go with Brown and Frank Pritchard.
Hi Grunta
I’d have to leave Gower off. I just see Peni as real worth and he adds value in attack.
Gower has the smarts but I don’t see him as having the impact.
That said, our squad depth seems v good, and IMO Ba would be picking based on skills and needs for each week. I just hope we have less injuries this season.
Thanks for the update!
Just wondering if you know their training schedule at the Salesyard next week? I wouldn’t mind popping over and having a look.
Hi mate. I don’t always know specifically and sometimes get a tip from each session about the next day. It changes daily but if you get down around 9 on Monday you should catch them.