Under much cooler grey skies the Parramatta squad took to the Saleyards fields for today’s skills/conditioning session. The spectators in attendance were duly treated to some impressive team and individual performances as the players continued their build up for the start of the NRL session. With smiles all round about the change in weather conditions, it was action aplenty with both fields in use.
Ronnie Palmer – It’s All About Footy
In previous reports I’ve detailed the conditioning work delivered by veteran trainer Ronnie Palmer. As Brad Arthur stated during his recent interview on the Big Sports Breakfast, Ronnie goes a bit more on feel rather than science. Now it’s not to say that the Eels are all old school, because they’re not. Parramatta employs a sports scientist who’s there every day at training and performance data is constantly updated.
However, this is football and Ronnie knows what’s needed. Consequently, the conditioning drills are footy related – plenty of up and down, plenty of movement in lines, and for good measure – a few laughs. Today, the players were involved in a bit of get up and sprint, with another in pursuit. The woohoos and laughs signalled the competitive fun that this evoked.
Blink And You Miss It
Full-field two hand touch was a large component of today. With about 9 a side, and both fields in action, it was difficult to know which way to look. The trick shots were being pulled out of the proverbial as the players did their best to create opportunities on virtually every play. I won’t even begin to describe what French executed today, suffice to say that if it happened in an NRL match it would feature in every highlight reel. But he wasn’t on his own. We are now becoming convinced that Tim Mannah was a half back in a past life. Today he put on a chip and chase that would have done Turvey Mortimer proud.
Of course, this is designed to be this expansive and this fast. It’s conditioning work with a football, and it’s used during breaks in the opposed session. The squad hustle into position to play it, then they charge back into position for the full team opposed match. There’s little time for a break in the NRL, so the training has to be reflective of that.
This Is Serious Mum!
Blood was shed today in the name of Parramatta. Regular readers of these training reports would know that I’ve been stunned by some of the collisions. Today it was Beau Scott who gave Gutho a bit of a touch up, with a bleeding mouth the result. It’s all part of footy. There’s been a few stitches and ice packs at training this year. These blokes are tough, so Gutho just shook it off and laughed about it with us afterwards.
This is what Clint Gutherson used to look like!
The opposed match up this morning involved periods of sustained attack and defence for both the blue and green teams. Restarts came from designated drop outs, scrums or penalties. As always, the talk in the lines was impressive and BA was barking plenty of praise and advice.
A couple of our green team boys caught my eye today. George Jennings executed well in both attack and defence. I’m assuming it was George – he and Michael are almost like twins! Joseph Ualesi had probably his most impressive session of the pre-season and was putting on a bit of ball play. Jamal Fogarty was busy and, along with Robbo, directed play well for the green team. Scott Schulte continued his solid pre-season build up and could yet be called upon should injury strike our wingers. Dane Aukafolau looks very comfortable with the senior squad and is an imposing figure on the field.
I want to take the opportunity to give John Folau a mention. John returned to pre-season in the best shape of his career and he almost seems to glide now when he runs. John has an arm injury which has recently prevented him from completing any contact work, but based on fitness alone, he looks ready to put his best foot forward. He’s also one of the most decent blokes you’d ever meet.
Finally, Nathan Brown ….. Remember that name!
Author’s Note
We don’t attend training with any expectation about speaking with the players or staff. I’ve emphasised on numerous occasions that this is their workplace, and we are simply spectators. However, as regular visitors, we appreciate being made welcome through frequent greetings from particular players and staff. Today was one of those occasions where BA came over for a a brief chat. It’s always good to get a few words with the head coach.
Tomorrow now awaits.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Another great read Sixties, what I really find amazing is that yourself and fellow tragics (Forty20, Hamish) don’t take notes during these sessions but then come up with such detailed descriptions of what goes on!
I am really starting to get excited about the new season and it seems there is going to be genuine competition for spots in 1st grade. I think the likes of Kelepi, Ualesi may get a crack should we get any injuries / suspensions.
Cheers Jason. Hopefully we’ll see you at the Penrith trial.
Will be there for sure Ham!
Thanks Jason. Don’t worry, this old brain and weary eyes still miss a few things. See you soon, and Ham, see you at junior reps on Saturday.
Another ripper of a report, thanks heaps Sixties.
I haven’t been able to get to a training session in the flesh this off season as yet, but reading these reports makes me feel like I’m there.
Thanks Rowdy. Still time left this pre-season. Hope to see you down there soon.
This off season reporting has been first class. The detail in the reports is fantastic . This site is now easily the go to site and I get my fix for my eels .
I can feel the excitement building with the reports . We had a good team last year but I believe we will be a serious football team this year .
Thanks Paul. We’re just footy tragics mate. Can’t wait for kick off myself!
Thankyou again for these reports mate.
Thanks Jye. I enjoy watching the team go through their paces.
Nice read again Sixties. It seems the boys are stepping it up on the conditioning. And also the nines work. Some nice anecdotes form today and good to read them.
Where are the trials this weekend.?
Thanks Mitchy – it was a good one. You had to see what Bev put on – incredible!
Junior reps are on at St Pats, Blacktown.
I wish I was there to see Frenchy’s heroics!
As usual, thanks sixties. I’m enjoying hearing that the contact work is at almost full impact? BA seems to be leaving no stone unturned in his preparation for the team and it seems that the boys will be well and truly ready when first round comes around?
On a side note, I would love to see Fogarty get a chance this year, but having said that, it would mean that one of our regular halves are injured or suspended. From the little I have seen of the kid, he goes alright.
No doubt teaming up with Robbo is a great boost for him?
Looking forward to the next update.
Cheers.
French was a freak, but of course it was the right circumstance with the fast and furious game that they were playing. Stuff like that almost lets you see the kid in them. Some of the blokes literally have smiles on their faces as they run into position for the game.
Fogarty just seems to have this determination to be a success. If he doesn’t crack it, it won’t be through lack of dedication/professionalism. Not every player can be an NRL half, but he certainly seems to be putting himself in the best position to take advantage of any opportunity that might come his way.
Great read Sixties
I see you have mentioned Dane Aukafolau a couple of times now. Can you tell us about him and why you rate him ?
And I’m a little worried about our goal kickers or lack of. I remember a couple seasons ago when Sandow was in and out of first grade we lost a couple of games through goal kicking alone. How’s Gutho striking them? From what I remember his couple of kicks in first grade last year weren’t good.
Aukafolau – I don’t want to place unrealistic expectations on him, after all, he’s young. However, his physical presence stands out (he must be around 6ft 4 at least. He also seems to make good decisions in attack and defence – esp defence. It almost looks to be a confidence thing. The bottom line is, at that age, you’re still learning how to make the step up. With him, at some stage, I’m certain he’ll take that step.
Gutho – last year I had my concerns. My way of describing his kicks (and I saw plenty of them at training) was that he imparted what I describe as too much side on the ball. For me, that meant that the ball was tilted over as it rotated through the air. Blokes with a hook on their kick, like Thurston, will get that shape. With his kicks, I just didn’t like it.
Now, there seems to be a more vertical rotation on his kicks at training. For mine, it’s a better strike. He’s slotting them over at training. Of course, match days always bring the real challenge, but Gutho just never seems fazed.
What’s he like under the high ball? My pet hate is wingers that can’t catch a high ball. A few years ago we were the worst team in the comp under the high ball until Semi came along. In 2016 we scored the most tries in the comp through kicks. Great turn around from Arthur!
I haven’t noticed a problem Michael. I suspect he’ll start the year in NYC. Get there early and watch him in action.
Mate your talents are wasted. See you Saturday morning. Pleasing to hear about big Dane and the Fog.
Cheers mate.
Sixties, bit late in reply, but gets hard to say the same thing with each excellent post but reading the responses has prompted a question when you mentioned the Juniors.
Is there any rep games this year like last year. I was able to attend the two eels teams games held at Wyong last year, and wondering if they are playing up here again this year.