It’s footy season Parramatta fans. The trials are done and dusted and the preparations now turn to round 1. In just nine days the 2017 NRL season kicks off with the Sharks taking on the Broncos, and three days later the Eels venture to the peninsular to square up against Manly in one of rugby league’s classic grudge matches at the newly named Lottoland Oval. I’m not going to lie – I’m hanging out for the action to begin, with each training session becoming like a stage in a launch pad sequence. Here’s how the countdown began this morning:
Absences
There were a couple of absences today but I shan’t be listing those. This was the first session of the week, so with the major focus on skills, and players recovering from a bruising trial, rehab or alternate work became the priority for certain individuals. Nothing of concern, especially with almost two weeks of training to prepare for the clash with the Sea Eagles.
Just on that topic, Saturday night’s run against the Panthers was perhaps the most physical trial that I’ve witnessed. Speaking to Bernie Gurr on Sunday, he stated that it was one of the highest quality trials that he’s ever watched. It would come as no surprise that there were players feeling some bumps and bruises that were more akin to a Premiership match. In my book, it was great preparation for the season proper.
Bevan on the fly in Saturday’s high standard trial (Image courtesy of NRL photos)
Working Corridors
The squad split into 4 teams of around 7 players. There was nothing to be read into the composition of the teams which mixed likely NRL starters and Wenty players. The field was narrowed into little more than half the normal width. Without getting any heads up on the aim of this drill, I can only report that the attacking team was working a specific side by being limited to a corridor of the field.
Defence Wins Matches
Switching to full teams, full field, the NRL (blue) blokes were asked to roll up their sleeves to defend against relentless possession. Re-starts were awarded from drop-outs, scrums and penalties and it was all concentrated in the red zone. With a flood of possession, Wenty (green) let loose with a range of attacking ploys. This was to be expected given that they would get a re-start no matter the outcome. Of course, not only did this drill facilitate a rehearsal of options with the ball for the green team, it also tested the defensive mettle of the blue team. I can report that over the course of around 15 minutes pressure, the greens crossed twice but it took a couple of sweetly executed moves for these successes.
Drop Off
The field for this drill is set up in a similar fashion to the earlier corridor work, but it has a competitive element. Starting from a line drop-out, the attacking team is given the ball for a set of plays that matches the number of defenders. Eg a set of six against six defenders, working down to a set of two against two defenders. The coaches keep count of how many tries the attacking team scores. When the roles are reversed, the original defensive team tries to better their opponents mark.
This is played under a touch format, and the attacking team has a decided advantage. It up-skills every player, whether they are noted for their ball work or not, and also challenges the support runners to position themselves in space. The defenders have to work very hard, and the biggest effort is usually reserved for the kick chase, as there are fewer support players when the kick is fielded.
Extras
I often find the extras to be the most interesting aspect of training to observe. Today there were players doing extra conditioning, others rehearsing a repertoire of kicks, and outside backs fielding a variety of low balls aimed for the in-goals. The latter was done closest to our vantage point. It was interesting to watch Joey and Murph coach players about better ways to attack the footy, or deliver praise about a well executed retrieval. As I’ve highlighted before, players aren’t born with these skills in their kit bag – it’s practised so it becomes second nature. I’ve had a chorus of players tell me that the coaching at Parramatta under BA and his staff is unlike what they’ve experienced elsewhere. Obviously there’s some great coaching teams at a number of clubs, it’s just good to know that we’ve got one such team at the Eels.
Marata Niukore fields a Joey Grima grubber.
Authors Note
It was great to have TCT stats man, Colmac, joining Parrathruandthru and I at training today. We send our best wishes to Matt Woods who’s recovering from a shoulder injury that requires about ten weeks of rehab. It can’t be easy to spend an extended period on the sideline but Woodsy is a dedicated trainer and he’ll put himself in the best position to make a full recovery.
We thank Troy Dargan for taking the time to talk about his first experience playing alongside some of the big stars of our team, and Kelepi Tanginoa for explaining the benefits of the shimmy when taking on the defence of a fullback. A shout out also to Daniel, “the skipper”, Alvaro who did such a fine job on Saturday night when left to lead the pack in the second half.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Thank you again, Sixties! Very much appreciated!
You’re welcome Rob.
Another great insight into the training sixties. Thank you…eating dates has become the norm this time of year.
Hope our halves in wenty go well to pressure firsts.
I’m with you. Competition for places from a successful ISP team is crucial to the club.
Ground control to major tom ,bring it on
We’ll make the opposition bow-ie down to us this year! Sorry…. anonymous, I took it too far.
Yes sixties seems you were Under Pressure with that comment….
It’s left me a lad insane….
Thank you ground control, good work bow-ie, come on major Tim, come on Beauie you lead the team….with hiiim!
Rowdie…. You’ll have to sing this line next time we see you.
Sorry Rowdy, I think your circuits dead, there’s something wrong?
😉
I appreciate this site. It’s a credit to yourself and the others involved.
Thanks.
Thanks Chief. We’ve stuck to our guns about the content that we wanted to provide. I’d like to think it’s earned some respect out there.
Thanks
You’re welcome Heather.
Although this report is another Gem, sixties. I’d like to applaud your sound identification of real footy talent in reading Forty20’s recent Whiskey Musings. Sam Gorman has finally received the accolades he deserves and if not for Forty floating your favour of this bloke perhaps the invitation to extrapolate his consistant performances since he moved into open age competition may never have seen the light of a written page. This bloke absolutely embodies everything that is good about the game of rugby league. The courage, conviction to duty and fearless leadership by example must be an inspiration to his team mates. Thanks Sixtiesboy, always a great read mate.
Yes Rowdy, even if Sam never gets to grace the fields of the NRL, he’s one of those blokes who’s part of the backbone of a club. His commitment on the field is always 100% – and those of us who get to Ringrose understand what he brings to the team. I reckon the bloke has got better as he’s got older. For mine he’s already a Wenty legend.
Thank you for this great site for Eels’ fans and also for the discretion Sixties shows in not revealing all our team’s tactical secrets. Sixties we have also noted that your reviews have continued after the school term recommenced and can only assume that you have made the ultimate sacrifice and given up your day job to keep us fans informed! Many thanks.
You can assume correctly that I have taken some time off. However, once the season is in full swing, I intend doing casual work and will provide a weekly training wrap up. Appreciate your acknowledgement.
I reckon these boys are heading for Fame?
Thanks for not only the Bowie line, but for the regular dressing down of training happenings.
I am really looking forward to the season proper this year and surely it’s a season of less drama? Surely? I am looking forward to seeing the new recruits in action and the ch ch ch changes BA has made to our plays.
Anyway, it’s 8 days to go…
Let’s Dance!
Classic response Grunta. I reckon it’s going to be one of those blue and “Golden Years”!
Ahaa! Nice one..
In all seriousness, until season kick off, I have No Plan and I’ll be Just Killing a Little Bit of Time 😉
OK, they are 2 songs from Bowie’s last ever album not released in Aus yet, but I have it!- an EP called No Plan. 4 songs only.
Sorry, back to footy I am just a bit of a Bowie tragic.
Put on your red shoes and dance the blues grunts ! 👠👠👠👠😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Hey Grunts, make sure that you Don’t give Ron & Co. the TCT address.
This site is for football talk only, and there’s no cupboard anyways 😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄
That’s unless Sixties has plans for a cupboard.
😣
Just footy here Chief.
Think there’ll be plenty of Modern Love during games….
Via the Kenny cuddle Mitchy.
Really appreciate this site mate, you & the other guys do a stellar job!! – everyone seems to be worried where our next quality 9 will come from. Can any of the TCT crew give me a heads up on Tonise?
Craig, I’ve watched a bit of Denzel in action, but I’ll let Forty comment. He’s watched a bit more of his work. Also happy for Joe, Ham or Parrathruandthru to jump in here.