A new day and a shift to the south-eastern Salesyard field this morning as the squad completed another conditioning/skills session. The surface on the two fields is second to none – there’d be quite a few clubs who’d be envious of such facilities.
After an extended warm up and conditioning at the far end of the ground, the players separated into two groups. I’ll focus my report on the skills work.
Skills
The squad was split into middle forwards and backs/edge players. The emphasis was obviously their lines and pass selections. The middle forwards concentrated on linking as they hit the line inside or around the B defender. Sometimes the support players received the ball as they ran an inside line, sometimes the outside support player received the pill. Blue and gold coloured glasses aside, there was no denying that there were some sharp executions in this drill.
An entire pre-season training in the halves? We’re “Big Kev” excited!
The backs and edge forwards were working at the far end and this was not as easily observed from our vantage point. However, the drills featured Normz and Gutho running the plays. Here’s where we are ahead of last year. In 2016 it was rare to see Foran participate in many skills sessions or opposed work due to his regular rehab. Those doubting Gutho need only consider that our new five-eighth is benefitting from a full-pre-season in that role – and the team will be the beneficiary of having combinations that have been able to fully prepare for the season.
The Opposed Work
Again, there was no place for the faint-hearted. It was a full field match-up and those collisions were again the feature. Another feature was the competitiveness and the banter. The blokes let their opposition know when they get the better of them, and there was some good natured ribbing from Normz and Gutho.
There was also a sense of first team (blue) vs second team (green). A difference from yesterday was the dummy half position. Today Pritchard and IDG interchanged in the blue team. With King and Pritchard interchanging yesterday, it reinforces my opinion that the coaching staff are still deciding on the best option for this role. Again all three were effective in their work. With Taka doing some rehab, Kirisome Auva’a filled in at centre.
The green team started off on fire. A flow of possession was converted into two tries. The players used good width in their passes to create opportunities which were duly taken. Naturally, a run of possession to the blue team quickly levelled up the proceedings after some impressive edge running from Tepai and then Frank Pritchard. Both players hit the defence line with intent, busting into open space.
Observations
Watching thsee sessions, I’m becoming more aware of the different body types that we will be throwing at the opposition. Frank Pritchard is a big, mobile unit whilst Nathan Brown is in the Choc Watmough mould. Both possess ball skills, making them valuable additions to the Eels. Throw in Matagi’s powerful frame and Vave’s imposing size and we have a new dimension in 2017.
Matagi is my big tip for a starting role.
The pass selection and lines were impressive today. For mine, it’s a validation of the inclusion of ball work from the very first week of the pre-season. Many teams don’t touch a footy for the first month or so, some even leave it to the new year before they launch into opposed sessions. I’m confident that the players have appreciated the inclusion of games in so early in their training.
At the conclusion of training, the players undertake personalised extras. This morning was my first chance to observe our goal kicking options in action. Unquestionably, Jamal Fogarty is the sweetest striker of the ball. Given that he is less likely to force his way into the starting 13 early in the season, the other three on show today were effectively showing their wares for the role. Based on what I witnessed, my ranking would be Semi, followed by Gutho then Normz. Gutherson has definitely improved his action. I watched him kick at training last year and his strike seemed to result in a tilted rotation of the ball through the air. There has been an obvious modification of his style which has resulted in a more upright ball rotation. Like everything else that Gutho does, his development is impressive.
Finally a shout out to Jason and his daughters who joined us today. His family are great supporters, even travelling to the Northern Territory last year to watch the team go round. Well done mate. I’m sure the goal kickers appreciated the help fetching the footies during their practice. Especially Semi!!! A further thanks to all the players who stopped to chat, particularly Will Smith. It’s greatly appreciated.
Eels forever!
Sixties
All images courtesy of the Parramatta Eels
The best way to improve a football team is train as one as close as posibble to game situation ,if you do that constantly you get your fitness under a lot more enjoyable conditions and cohesiveness becomes 2 nd nature you would think ,of course theres a lot more to it than that but going by reports on here its a super fit happy and purposeful camp , it seems like arthur has created a scenario where the players want footy first and the money second ,long time since thats happened here .
It’s a genuinely happy camp Me. Doesn’t seem to be any cliques – all the players get on well with each other. They work hard but get the opportunity to have a laugh. The coaches seem to understand the balance needed.
Another quality read Sixties. A Sha me I missed today’s one. I’d have liked watching the goal kicking, being an old kicker myself. Fogarty seemed to strike them well from watching him on tv.
I’m concerned about the first choice kicker, but we will know more closer to March when trials are finished.
Were the refs there again? I find the input of them v important.
Is there any chance that the refs or someone with the refs can allow you or one of the TCT team to do a write up on them? As in their preparation in off season, particular areas they focus on in pre-season and also with teams when they do hit outs. Just an idea……I’d be happy to cover your casual costs sixties. 👍🏻
Mitchy, sometimes the cynic in me wonders why having a ref at training is of value, as the day I visited last year I only saw one penalty given, yet come game day, was amazing how the eels seemed to go backwards with the penalties against them.
Sixties thanks again for another good post. I am liking the way the 3 hookers are being rotated around, reason I think that both Kaysa and Cameron K are likely to both go to NZ for the 9’s, sort of appropriate title methinks.
Of more interest I think is Semi being the better kicker of the 3 tried, I discount Fogarty at this point as I doubt he will figure in NRL reckoning this year, unless injuries come up. Also like reading how Tep’s going, I hope his contract is extended and Semi if his goal kicking keeps up, so will his value go up.
Col, I see what you mean and I’m of the same opinion when watching games.
I saw Russell Smith their yesterday and he seems to be a coach of refs or similar so was just thinking.
We only ask for consistency as fans, and I guess the players wish that too. It always seems to be the lower ranked teams get the rough calls.
The refs did ping both teams yesterday, and while not sure of how many it occurred.
Sixties, I don’t disagree with having the refs at training, and don’t understand why other clubs don’t either.
I guess in some ways I tend to look at it as a bitter sweet scenario, if the refs are there to help at training days, that would/should include lessons on rule interpretations, especially any changes for the coming season. Likewise once the referred training game has finished or better still a short interval when a penalty is given to explain for all to hear why.
On those scores if the ref is at the sessions do they go into the season have a belief that the teams that they attend training with should be better controlled and therefore should not be giving the penalties which other non attended teams give. You should know better and are picked up as a result.
I might sound a bit harsh on this, but the level of consistency is like a defective stereo audio wave line at times.
I guess the refs have to guard against pre-conceived ideas about how teams will play – at least they should. I have often watched BA ask questions about their decisions during breaks in opposed sessions or afterwards. So I think he sees a benefit in understanding rule interpretations.
Ha ha Mitchy! My casual costs are around $400 a day are they not? You must have some loaded pockets my friend. I actually had an extended chat with a couple of refs last year about their preparation. It was interesting stuff and very physically demanding. They have a base at Homebush (from memory) and do their conditioning and education there. They are available for all clubs, but not all clubs want them at training (which is surprising).
Col, there were no refs yesterday. Joey Grima controlled the opposed work and wasn’t reluctant to blow appropriate penalties (there was even a penalty goal taken and didn’t Normz and Gutho try to put Fogarty off!)
Col, during pre-season I’ve seen the refs hammer us in the penalties for issues such as incorrect play the balls or laying in the tackle – a sure sign of an early season focus.
Like you, I find refereeing of the Eels frustrating, but having officials there should be advantageous as it gives BA the opportunity to see whether we are infringing in in any way, especially with things like block runners.
Cheers Sixties, the girls had a ball as did I. Was very impressed in today’s hit out and was a pleasure getting some genuine footy insights from yourself and the other two gentlemen that were in attendance.
Thanks again for the efforts of yourself and others who take time out to report on what takes place at training, your columns are very insightful and accurate .
Thanks Jason. I always enjoy catching up with you. Appreciated you bringing the supplies to keep us fed and watered yesterday!
I would like to thank Will Smith for giving us a couple of minutes of his time to answer our questions.
Can I also add that all the new guys I have spoken to have been fantastic
Great to see Parra is recruiting great men as well as great footballers.
Just little things mean so much for us fans
That does sound good Parrathruandthru – Smith can have a v handy season I feel. His pace and skills are a v good acquisition. The squad seems to have v strong team feel to it. A reflection on the club I feel.
If we notice the purchases of Parra this season, we notice many who’ve got first grade exp. it’s a tough and demanding game, and when injuries / or suspensions occur having good replacements is of huge benefit. Can W Smith kick goals…?.
W Smith can kick.
See this article below from2014. Good story.
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/penrith-panthers-rookie-will-smith-used-to-shouldering-a-heavy-burden-20140730-zyirb.html
Building that strong club is all about creating attitude, depth and quality. It’s true of the senior grades as well as the junior reps, as the young blokes will carry that attitude into the graded ranks. I feel privileged Mitchy to be witnessing the changes happening under BA and his quality staff.
Absolutely mate. You know better than most about the quality of blokes in the club and the respect they give to the fans. They can’t always chat to the supporters there, and there’s no expectation for them to do so, but it’s greatly appreciated.
Hello, im from newcastle and will be driving through parramatta with my family how do we do about being able to watch training.
I will be travelling through parramatta on friday how do i go about being able to watch parra train
Sixties and 40/20 get told at times when the team is training. They can advise of the protocol….it’s good if you can down and have a look. A privilege
If you guys find out Friday times please let me know – we will be coming through at approx 10ish
Thanks
Brett
That would probably be a good time mate. We aren’t connected with the club and field training times can be changed by the staff at the last minute, so bear that in mind. We often get a heads up the day before but there have been times when we get down there and there’s no field action. The club won’t give out times as these aren’t open sessions, and aren’t photo opportunities or signing sessions. If the players say g’day after training that’s a bonus. As Mitchy stated, we are actually given the privilege of being permitted to stay and watch.
If they are on the south-eastern field on Friday, you will need to stay behind the fence on the running track. That’s where we’ll be. If they’re on the other field, we stay behind the fence next to the brick ammenities shed.
If you read this mate, there could be the chance that they might start earlier due to the heat.
Enjoy reading you training updates Sixties, I come looking every day for a new training post, it certainly eases the pre-season boredom. I am sure I read late last year Brett Kimmorley was bought on board as a halves consultant, has he been a regular at training? If so has there been any real noticeable changes to Normz or Gutherson’s play, or what areas of the halves play do you think BA has him focusing on.
Hi mate. Thanks for commenting. You’ll notice my comment on that in today’s training report. I won’t repeat myself here.
Great, look forward to it.
There now. Just published.
Dont underestimate BA’s smarts with the halves play. Was a very smart half at 6, 7, and 13 himself plus worked with Cronk, Widdop, Foran, Matty & Joey Johns and is respected as astute by all of them, Kimmorley’s job was mainly fine tuning what BA wants done.
This won’t be an easy forward pack to select. Frank Pritchard, Moeroa, Ma’u and Edwards are all splendid edge forwards. However, if two dummy-halves are chosen, then that leaves only room for three middle forwards. I suppose that one of the aforentioned four can shift to the middle, but why bother when there already a plethora of other specialist options to choose from?.. Interesting times ahead.
I wouldn’t want to be making the selections. There’ll be some talent missing out each week, with a full time squad of 43, some blokes that we’re watching will even miss out on the Wenty team. Of course, injuries eventually mean that every one of that squad is needed in some capacity.
Nathan brown will take someone spot and thats a given !
How could Souths let him go! Crazy….
Whoever is getting tackled by Matagi one on one is gonna know about it!
Sheesh the bloke looks solid two months out from season proper. I hope that he gets a shot in the 9’s?
Matagi, brown,vave, Pritchard, all came here to play nrl not wenty and they will – so just how much stronger does this make our team? every week some really good players are going to be be donning black and white, hard not be optimistic!!
My tip is that he will start with Mannah, Grunta. He will be an asset to this side, no doubt!
Matagi and Mannah for mine too Clint.