The end of another week of the pre-season is upon us, and the players were probably glad to see the back of this one. No doubt the squad were feeling the strain of the physically demanding conditioning and the relentless impact from the opposed sessions. Throw in their weights and wrestling program with the insane heat from earlier in the week, and it would be little wonder if a few of them were thinking TGIF. At least Thursday’s cooler conditions continued today, because there was no let up for the fellas this morning.
An Early Observation
Yesterday was hectic. It ran with precision, but it was just full throttle for nearly two hours on the field. With two fields in use, my gaze was alternating from one to the other, concerned I would miss an attacking gem. In contrast, today seemed to have a controlled intensity about it.
The Conditioning
Unlike yesterday, the conditioning was done without the ball. No two hand touch footy to put them under fatigue this morning. Instead, it was plenty of “off the ground” and line/group running. Certain players do move away from the group for individualised conditioning such as controlled running or boxing. The blokes all seemed to be wearing their serious game faces. It was a trend which they carried into their opposed work.
The Change Up
Over the past week, the casual observer might wander down to Saleyards, cast their eye over an opposed session, then declare,”I know what the NRL line up will be in Round 1.” In all honesty, it would have been difficult to argue with them. Today was completely different. The players, especially the forwards, appeared to switch between blue and green teams.
Henry Perenara had control of proceedings for the opposed work. It was full field and again close to full NRL contact. A measure of the seriousness of the hit out was the players’ response to a refereeing decision to award a try to the blue team. A number of the players were respectfully questioning the call. I’m a huge fan of referees controlling opposed sessions. An explanation of the rules behind a decision, away from the pressure cooker of an NRL match, can only benefit the players’ understanding of a referee’s interpretation.
Perenara explains a call to the players.
I left Saleyards thinking about the mixing of the teams. What was the purpose? What did the coaches get out of it? Given that I didn’t have the opportunity to speak with any of the staff, I can only speculate from my observations.
With established NRL players running at each other, the defence was challenged that little bit extra. It’s not as if the impacts were any stronger, because the competition for places has resulted in some of the most physical contact that I’ve ever witnessed at training. Rather, it’s the way that an experienced NRL player runs their lines or how they move just before or at the defence line. It seemed to make for a more even contest, and possibly gave the coaching staff a better idea of where some players are at.
Highlights
I’m going to examine two key moments.
The first was a great defensive read by Josh Hoffman at centre. With the green team attacking the blue team’s right side, it seemed like they had the numbers for a certain try. Enter Hoffman with a tremendous intercept and 90 metre sprint for a try. The execution was perfect. It seemed to come out of the blue – one of those moments when even the spectators are caught by surprise.
The second moment was a fine piece of fullback defensive play by stand-in green team custodian, George Jennings. With Manu Ma’u breaking into the open around half way after running a superb line, Jennings delayed committing to a defensive decision long enough to force Manu into what was probably his least preferred passing option. The result was his support player stumbling and being tackled. It was impressive stuff.
Author’s Note
Overall, I drew more out of today from a defensive context. Watching the contest, I commented on how earnestly both teams defended their lines. The talk was there as always, but that defence seemed to shut down many of the half chances that were created.
My thanks today to Kelepi Tanginoa, John Folau and Marata Niukore for stopping for a chat. I also had the pleasure of meeting Betty, an very, very long term Eels supporter from Queensland. Betty mostly follows Parramatta via the radio and I suspect she enjoyed seeing the players close up in action. It was a delight to meet her and her wonderful family.
Eels forever!
Sixties
I think that probably the way our players defend says more about their chances at being in ‘The 17’ than anything else. BA would be proud by the sound of things.
Thank you for another detailed analysis of their training!
I eagerly anticipate each instalment on TCT.
Thanks Rob. We certainly had to fix our defence over the years. I get the sense that it will be even stronger this year.
The only concern I have is with the determination that the players are putting in, especially with their defence is injuries, or are they just trying to ensure that they are on top of the competition both from the opposition and competitors within.
Dont think you need to be concerned about it mate, they seem to know what their doing, place used to be soft, no more!!
Chika, there’s plenty of grit in this mob now!
I’m glad the boys are putting in Col.
We have the depth to cover injuries dare I say it.
We need them battle ready!
Colin, I’ve had it acknowledged by the players that the contact is harder. But the attitude is that firstly, you need good contact as preparation for the real thing. Secondly, it’s very competitive, so each player has to out their best foot forward.
Great stuff once again 60’s, I have been reading all the TCT teams training updates with great interest. Seems to be clear coralation between the intensity that BA brings that is certainly now ingrained throughout the playing roster.
Brad Arthur is a high quality head coach in charge of a high quality staff and playing roster. The culture is changing, and we’re starting to see it from the junior reps up.
Nice post again Sixties. Thanks for the light on things at training and the posts this summer thus far…much appreciated.
Interesting to see the staff change things with no use of ball. It’s also good to see the refs there particularly Mr Perenara…and hope that professional relationship is good. It did seem at times on the field last season it was not great between parra and the officials.
I think Hoffman will be a superb addition to the team. Experienced and quality player.
Thanks Mitchy. I certainly took issue with the officiating in a number of games in 2016. Like the past, I approach each season with renewed hope for a fair shake. Hoffman was a very astute purchase.
Sixties I am not hearing much about Gower . He has fallen right away from the 17 ? What is your thoughts on frank Pritchard ? Does he still have it ? Looks quite fit on last picture I saw
Another great report mate as always
Gowie is training as professionally as ever and for Brad Arthur, he knows what he’d get from David should be name him. There’s incredible competition in the pack and quality players like Gower face stiff competition to win a spot. I suspect he’ll start the year at Wenty. Pritchard looks as good as I can ever recall and everything that I hear and see about his attitude and execution is first class. He’s been named in the leadership group for good reason.. I’m locking in a spot for him.
It’s almost impossible to find a reason to discount certain players. With this squad, if a player is out, any replacement will do more than just fill a spot.
Appreciate the kind words.
Surprised you let Henry out of the car park 60’s. He hates us with a passion for some reason. Continually carves us up. Every game.
So he’s different to other referees?
Chris, I always exhibit great control during these refereed opposed sessions. It is not the easiest task.
Sixties, you mentioned last week that at one training session. I think it was Matagi who put on a superb catch and flick pass. Are we talking the Pringle/Lockwood move here? We haven’t had a signature move since Reynolds/Quayle, Kolc/Quayle. Defence sounds like we are up to the task this year
Not quite a signature move – more an unbelievable piece of footy instinct. Superb to watch.
This is how a site should be run, it’s football not politics.
I for one have had enough of that other site.
It’s become a bit of a disgrace latley were anything goes and no bans.
What a breath of fresh air the Cumberland throw is.
Appreciate your support Ronald. Whatever site people like is fine with us. We are proud of what we provide for Eels supporters.
Great new layout to site ,much easier to navigate ,great work guys
Thanks Chika. That was an important factor for us.
Any reports on yesterdays juniors trials ,whatever happened to forty, used to enjoy his reports
Hi Chika. It’s on its way. Forty was taking notes yesterday and working on a report later today. The bloke is meticulous and was working off player numbers yesterday and there were some new players who made an impression. A bit to dig into.
I will say that there was so much footy that it was hard to know which way to look. I’m currently writing an overview.