In scenes reminiscent of some recent dark times, a gathering of the media at Saleyards today signalled the arrival of the latest Eels signing, Mitchell Moses. For the players, the film crews and photographers were simply a momentary distraction at the beginning of their scheduled session. However, as the journos departed, it was soon down to business for the squad.
A Comment On Moses
It would be unfair to burden the young playmaker with any expectations. The talented half will be making his debut in a team with the benefit of a solitary field session. This doesn’t mean that he won’t be able to perform – rather that this weekend marks the beginning of his journey as an Eels NRL player.
Naturally I expect to be asked what I learned from today.
The answer is simple.
Moses impressed me with his kicking game and his ability to link with supports. As a new player entering the Parramatta side, that’s the first component of his game that I’d be looking for. It’s especially important given the absence of Corey Norman.
As for familiarity with plays and structures, that will come. Many Eels fans will be looking for an immediate impact. When you acquire a quality player, you’d expect that their talent would benefit the team. I’d simply add that the best of Moses will come with a full pre-season of preparation with the club.
The Opposed Session
The majority of today’s field work was taken up by an opposed session controlled by NRL referees. Most of the journos had left by this stage.
Although BA dictates who has possession or what part of the field will see the action, the refs make calls relating to offsides, ruck speeds, penalties, etc. I’ve had a number of discussions with the whistle blowers at training and the consensus is that participation in match simulation at club training is one of the best preparations that they undertake. Parramatta is a club which schedules referee involvement on a regular basis.
The opposed session featured attack and defence from specific parts of the field. The talk was loud – something that I specifically looked for after the big loss of the weekend. It tells me where their heads are at.
As usual, the field work concluded with extras. There were a number of position specific skills being drilled – kicking, catching, passing and player combinations. Yes, Moses was straight into the thick of it.
Author’s Note
After attending training, there was some social media talk from at least one journalist about positions/team line-ups. This is something that I won’t address in my reports. Whatever transpires at training in terms of match tactics or team lists won’t be covered in my reports. I’m positive that fellow Eels fans will understand my stance.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Could’nt make it to trainng this week but hopefully next week after a win (by 1 point is more than enough LOL). Looking forward to see how he fits in.
Look forward to catching up again Al.
Thanks mate, I always look forward to your reports. When you wrote extras did Mitchell do any goal kicking practice.
Didn’t see any goal kicking practice today.
What was the boys reception of Mitch like?
There seems to be a bit of a bond between Moses and French. Maybe they played junior football together.
They’re a happy group mate. They were noisily happy as they warmed up. Seemed pretty good.
60’s. a good report and appreciated.
I suspect you would have anticipated the media circus, would have been a nice gesture to offer some roasted peanuts in the shell around. I doubt if they would see the funny side of it though.
Funny stuff Col. What about the sugar coated ones?
Should have invited cleary he could have brought along some sour grapes .
You want to sweeten them up mate? I guess it wouldn’t hurt at that.
Interesting read Sixties, thanks mate. Much appreciated.
Oh yeah, and what you didn’t say or respond to was quite interesting also.
Cheers mate. The important part of training reports during the season always lies in what I don’t say.
Good read Sixties; i just hope the boys attend to the ruck area in defence and attack….Canberra will be tough and work that area ok.
Agreed Mitchy. We can’t afford to give the same latitude to the Raiders big boppers.
Really looking forward to seeing how French responds to having Moses in the side. Mitch had a pretty lethal combination with Tedesco at the Tigers and French is similar to Teddy in the way he plays.
If this combination really kicks in, look out big backs on opposing teams!
That is a good perspective given a running FB needs a good half for the sweeping plays.
Well, we saw a glimpse of it, but hopefully more to come. Looking forward to seeing Norman and Moses combine on one side too.
Exactly Grunta. In my opinion, we will get better from him with a full pre-season.