In a change to routine, the Eels squad hit the fields late in the day for a skills/agility session. Under cooler, grey skies the players went through their paces to deliver another session that was sure to challenge the selection decisions which lie ahead. Here’s how it went down.
Blessed Are The Agile
After a bit of fun during the warm up (Ronnie must be renowned for his method of combining hard work with a few laughs), the group moved into a sequence of agility activities. Low hurdles for stepping and lateral movement drills were executed with precision before they concluded with some ball skills.
The agility of the backs is a given. Quick stepping in attack and lateral movement in defence are core skills for the fleet footed members of the team. These drills gave me the opportunity to be impressed with the forwards. A number of our big men have dropped some weight during the pre-season. I spoke to Joseph Ualesi after training. Joseph has impressed during recent opposed sessions and is currently at his lightest playing weight of 110kg. He reported that he feels much better and his agility has definitely improved. I’d suggest, he’s not on his own.
The new streamlined Joseph Ualesi
Throw That Ball
The two hand touch footy game was used to fatigue the players this afternoon. As usual, it was difficult to know where to look. The easy option was to watch Bevan French in his game. Of course such a choice could jeopardise witnessing some Mannah Magic. Tim didn’t disappoint! An energetic kick and chase soon inspired a similar play from his bookend mate Matagi. Sorry Bev, the big fellas had you covered today.
The aim may be to fatigue the squad, but the result is an entertaining spectacle for any lucky enough to be present.
Opposed Session – Rewind/Replay
At the risk of repeating myself, Scott Schulte again impressed. With a couple of tries to his name in this match, he continues to put his name in lights. Brown was dangerous through the middle of the ruck and set up Gutherson for a four-pointer. Marata NIukore provided one of the highlights. He delivered a threatening charge in the quarter, followed by a kick ahead when tackled, with the resulting chase by O’Brien almost yielding a try. With BA standing in the in-goal, he couldn’t help but be impressed.
Marata Niukore – Sure to have impressed BA today.
Others to catch the eye today included Manu Ma’u and David Gower. Manu’s hit ups constantly challenged the defence and Gowie did what Gowie does best – play clever football. At his best, other players look good beside him because he makes smart choices with the ball in his hands. This afternoon he did just that.
Author’s Note
Rowdy Roddy joined Geoff and I at training today. It was good to catch up with such a passionate supporter. I’d also like to thank the many players who said g’day. As Roddy would attest, we have a great group of blokes representing the mighty Eels.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Images courtesy of the Parramatta Eels
These updates are brilliant! Keep them coming. It’s a fabulous insight into all players, not just the more high profile ones. Do you know what time tomorrow they will be training?
Hurry-up 2017 season…The suspense is killing me.
These training reports are brilliant…
BTW have there been any whispers on how Semi is likely to fare at his upcoming court case…
Pete, many thanks. I’m champing at the bit too! Nothing concrete on Semi. I’d rather not comment on a matter yet to be decided in court.
Hi Grant. Thanks for the kind words. I rely on a tip the day before or go by last week’s schedule which can be changed. Based on previous Wednesdays, there is very little field work. Maybe some backs skills.
Good stuff again sixties.
You mention the streamlined Ualesi, I remember last year when we met in asking who that big bloke was, and I tend to have thought he was about the biggest on the field, his eels gallery page showed him at well over 110Kg’s which he is now shown as in the new gallery shots, he certainly looks much more streamlined, or is it that many of the big players seem to be holding the bellies in?
Looking over the contenders for the front row, in the new gallery it shows O’Brien as the heaviest at 117Kg, that too is down on last year, even big Frank has shrunk to 115, the same as Vave. All players look in top condition, although it seems that IDG has not changed or the photographer couldn’t catch him as he’s got the same dark mug as last season still – an Omen maybe?
I believe all players in contention are fitter than last year. I don’t think IDG has had his photo updated as yet.
Great update, glad to hear Gowie has still got it!
Gowie is a legend Gem. I’ve only ever heard good things about him.
Legendary status may be a bit of overkill there sixties? 😉
One thing is certain though, he is one hell of a player to be relied upon to come into the squad if not picked in the 17?
I realise that you can’t talk too much re combinations, but I would be surprised if French and both our talented centres aren’t showing some form!?
Man I can’t wait for season kick off!
Thanks again.
Grunts, Gowie’s professionalism around the team and training is legendary to us. You know what you’ll get if he gets named in the 17. A genuine footy smarts player.
Combinations? It’s what this training is designed to bring about.
You wont meet many nicer guys in footy than gowie ,great family man thats a credit to our club ,i hope we find a way to keep him in our club when he retires , the more good influences around our club the better !
Fair enough sixties.
A legendary bloke it seems?
That’s great to hear and if our forwards are being trained how to offload, than Gowie could certainly help them out. He does the spin and offload better than most.
Sixties, I haven’t commented lately, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been reading all the training reports. Great stuff from you and the lads. It’s is fantastic to get some insight on what is happening. Big thanks
Vince, happy to have your opinion on our posts throughout the year. Thanks for adding here. I really appreciate Geoff’s (Parrathruandthru) input and the observations of others who’ve joined us this year. David in particular and yesterday Rowdy. One pair of eyes can only pick up so much when players are running around in similar gear without numbers. It’s not uncommon for me to say “who threw that pass?” It’s also affirming when my thoughts on something are echoed by others or when others pick up on something that I haven’t.
It was a real pleasure to watch the boys go about their work this afternoon. The atmosphere seems to have built upon last years enthusiasm and clear enjoyment of being there with one another. The intensity appears to have lifted with the extra competition for places in the top 17 without diminishing the joy of mateship exhibited in their support of each others accomplishments when on your team being matched by the disappointment when the boot of success is on your opponents foot.
Thanks to Sixties and Geoff for the warm welcome to another Parra tragic. Loved it. Go Parra!
Rowdy, it was brilliant to catch up again mate. Enjoyed your yarns too.
I’ve tried to capture the positivity at training and the quality of young blokes that play for the Eels in my training posts. You were able to witness this first hand. I’m glad you’ve added your comments to this post.
I’ve read plenty of great things about our new recruits Matagi, Brown and Pritchard but there has been little mention of Vave.
How’s he shaping up for 2017 and does he make it into your top 17 based on what you have seen so far?
We have actually reported on Vave. He has been in rehab from a shoulder issue and has been doing conditioning work at training. Looks in really good shape and will add to the mix of body types in our forwards. He’s a great character too!
Ah yep, I forgot he was part of the rehab group. Hopefully with Palmer at the wheel injuries will be kept to a minimum
Thanks again Sixties and Geoff. Always wait for these read ups. I guess we are v spoilt guys can head down and report on things.
I’ve noted the depth of the entire squad, and having read the junior reports, am quietly excited about the upcoming few seasons with the restructure and focus of the club.
Injury free we won’t be but just hope we get some good breaks this season.
What is Nuikores best position..?
Mitchy, you can actually see the strategy in action, from Junior reps to NRL.
Niukore – back row – he’ll happily take on any position but back row is his best.