The Cumberland Throw

Eels Training – 17th May: The Media Welcomes Moses

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.

That’s my spot fellas!

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.

Moses impressed me with his kicking game.

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.

Familiarity with structures will come.

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.

BA and Moses in discussion.

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

 

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20 thoughts on “Eels Training – 17th May: The Media Welcomes Moses

  1. Al

    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.

  2. Joe Briffa

    Thanks mate, I always look forward to your reports. When you wrote extras did Mitchell do any goal kicking practice.

    1. John Eel

      There seems to be a bit of a bond between Moses and French. Maybe they played junior football together.

  3. Colin Hussey

    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.

  4. Mitchy

    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.

  5. Grunta

    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!

      1. Grunta

        Well, we saw a glimpse of it, but hopefully more to come. Looking forward to seeing Norman and Moses combine on one side too.

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