Another scorcher for Eels training at Saleyards today. If you cracked an egg onto that running track, I reckon it would have cooked up in quick time. These blokes really earn their money during the pre-season. It was a mix of conditioning and opposed work on this morning’s agenda. An early finish would be the reward.

Conditioning

Defensive line movement formed a big chunk of the fitness drills. The squad was taken up and down the field in a simulation of a kick chase, followed by a set of six (running up and back). Plenty of talk as the players were calling out “hold” before moving.

The conditioning continued during breaks in the opposed session. Running short circuits, the players got the chance to shine against their team mates by pushing ahead of their group. Our dummy halves always seem to excel at this. Kelepi Tanginoa and Jamal Fogarty are also usually near the front of their groups. It’s apparent that we have a strong work ethic right throughout this squad.

Kelepi Tanginoa – in prime shape for a tilt at NRL this year.

Opposed Session

There were a few omissions from the game today. Hoffman and Auva’a played centre in the blue team, with Scott Schulte playing outside Auva’a. This saw back rower Marata Niukore shift into the centres for the green team.

The feature of today’s game was the execution from our halves. With new combinations around them, both Norman and Gutherson laid on some sweet passes to their supports. Today, Schulte was the beneficiary of open space created by selective passing.

I was particularly impressed with the talk coming from Edwards and Auva’u. Both players were very vocal, especially in defence, communicating instructions to the adjacent defenders. There’s a real sense of pride when defending the line at training. It augers well for match day.

An interesting feature was the interchanging of the dummy halves. In a continuation of the evidence on show most days, all of the number 9s are getting the opportunity to showcase their claims. Switching between the blue and green teams, they all excelled. Good luck BA!

The Highlight

Unquestionably, the highlight of the session was provided by unheralded fullback, Honeti Tuha. “H” was threatening to bust the line for the green team throughout the match, constantly injecting himself into the fray on both sides of the field. With one specific play, he drew applause from those in attendance, and cheers from his team mates. Receiving the ball in a sweeping movement, Tuha grubbered a kick through the line, re-gathered, offloaded to his winger, who then found Fogarty in support for the try. Beautiful stuff!

Honeti Tuha really caught the eye today.

I’d also highlight the lines run by Kenny Edwards. There was no holding back as our cramped crusader absolutely smashed through the defence close to the ruck off a couple of superb short passes.

Author’s Note

There was a fan experience put on by the club for some young fans and their families today, which meant a meet and greet with a number of players and Brad Arthur. This included Vave, Pritchard, IDG, Edwards and Mannah. The families had a chat, some photos and autographs. The players also stopped for a chat with us, as did Marata Niukore. I can assure all Parramatta supporters that this is a tight knit group.

The Cumberland Throw certainly appreciates the time that the football department take to make us feel welcome.

Eels forever!

Sixties

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