Week three of pre-season training has commenced and the majority of the players not involved in the Rugby League World Cup have returned. Those to reacquaint themselves with Saleyards this week included Edwards, Norman, Smith, King, Vave, Gower and Hoffman.
Here’s how the early part of week 3 went down.
Monday
Drizzly conditions greeted the returning NRL stars today. A quick dance or two, then some stretches and warm ups and it was full steam ahead into the conditioning work. There was an abundance of running throughout the morning in what was an equal parts condititioning, equal parts skills session.
Hoff looks happy to be back.
Overall, the players have returned in quite good shape. Will Smith motored out front in cruise control, Cameron King was encouraging his team mates in their efforts and Kenny Edwards looked like he’d stayed familiar with the gym. A wise man described Norman as being so fit that he could have completed today’s session in a dinner suit.
Gutho continued to put the kilometres into his legs on the second field and Tony Williams worked on his program. We managed to grab a few words with T Rex, who noted that things were different from his last time with the club and that he was very happy to be back.
Looks like a Kenny cuddle during the skills session.
The ball work was a feature of the session. Quick sets and drills in grids soon familiarised combinations and patterns. Fijian touch had the players running some more and brought out the banter. The match concluded with noted speedster, David Gower, leaving defenders in his wake as he streaked away for a solo try.
In fact, with the larger group certainly increased the talk, the encouragement and the laughs.
Tuesday
Yesterday’s rain was replaced by warmer, sunnier conditions. The squad was split into two groups for the morning session, alternating between the gym and the field/running track. It was a similar set of drills for both squads.
Lachlan Wilmot and his team led the first half of the session on the track, taking the players through their running mechanics. It’s interesting to watch the processes used to build up core strength, acceleration, and lateral speed. Like any good teacher, Lachlan explains what will be done and why, followed by demonstration and practice. He and other Athletic Performance staff – Nathan and Josh – then provided individual encouragement or fine tuning as the players went through their paces.
I found it fascinating to listen to the instruction that accompanied the drills as Lachlan explained how the drill would help them to achieve the desired outcomes. Watching the squad going through their paces, it occurred to me that the older players would require a strong element of untraining. Nonetheless, there appears to be a tremendous buy-in, as everyone looked to be embracing and even enjoying the drills.
After the running mechanics component had concluded, the players transitioned to their skills work with Joey Grima. Joey combines proven methods with innovation and fun to impart rugby league fundamentals and advanced skills to his charges. Today was the basics of catching, passing and ball handling. A reminder from BA about the importance of getting the basics right accompanied the work and the players didn’t disappoint with barely a ball dropped across the drills with both groups.
Welcome back Kingy!
One of the highlights of the morning was the howls of laughter brought about by a kids game that Joey used for a bit of fun. It’s important to emphasise that the players are competitive and games are incorporated for competitiveness and a laugh. This particular game involved a footy being placed between pairs of players as Joey called out body parts. The players had to tap the body part as Joey called it out (eg Knees, ears, nose, heel). At some stage he would call out ball. This was the cue to be first to grab the footy. There was plenty of laughs and banter as at least one player struggled with basic anatomy. Unless they were cheating…….
Author’s Note
I had the opportunity to speak briefly with new staff members Lachlan, Nathan, Josh (Athletic Performance) and Tahleya (Sports Science). With new staff, change is introduced and the squad are embracing the difference.
With the challenge of not only moving into a different code, but creating that balance between tough conditioning and lighter sessions during a pre-season, Lachlan Wilmot is both confident and enthusiastic about his role and the team he’s joined.
The start of this third week, and the return of more players, has emphasised the positivity and team spirit in this group. There’s a long way to go before a footy will be kicked in anger, but I’m already champing at the bit about 2018 – it’s just the vibe.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Any idea who would be replacing the cougar, or is the the encouraging Wilmot a straight swap in what Pamer was doing with us.
Thx
I’m going to make an assumption Chief. There are currently 3 staff working in Athletic Performance (as mentioned in the report) and another trainer from last year – Nathan.
Good write up sixties.
How did you think the squad went with the new coaching staff.
Being a big fan of Hoffman n avau’a I think they will be playing a lot in Wenty this year with “Hayne” coming. I think if he “Hayne” does come his playing centre with Jennings I can’t see him playing fullback or wing there for pushing takarangi to bench or 2nd row.
I will do a team list that I think will be the starting side for next year n a side I’d like to see even with Hayne.
Do you think T-Rex will have a big off season n perform we’ll ?
#Eels4life#
I couldn’t have asked for more from this early pre-season Rev.
As for what the season holds, or the likely team, I generally like to make a prediction in January, after they start doing opposed sessions. Last year, those sessions had me tipping a massive year for Nathan Brown and putting a wager on for Gutho to win the Dally M (sorry about that, Gutho).
I included Hayne in my wish list for 2018 (see season review) so I’m biased about his possible return.
The signing of T Rex is low risk and potentially big return. I’ll get a clearer picture of his likely contribution once opposed sessions begin.
Ahhh gee this is good to read Sixties. The Vibe; love it mate.
Any news on when K Evans is back doing some drills etc..? Look forward to more when time permits for you. Safe travels son.
Thanks mate. Though Kane popped in to training at the end of week 1, I was under the impression that he remained with the Fiji squad. When he lobs at training, I would imagine he will jump into conditioning work.
As always, an excellent report.
Cheers mate.
Sorry sixties forgot how’s gutherson’s rehab going do you see him being ready for rd 1 ?
Team I want for next year. Feel free to make any adjustments.
1. Gutherson
2. French
3. Jennings
4. Hayne
5. Hoffman
6. Norman
7. Moses
8. Evans
9. Pritchard
10. Mannah.
11. Mau
12. Moeroa
13. Brown
14. Kenny
15. Takarangi
16. Vave
17. Matagi.
18th man Teripo
2nd team. I’d like
1. Gutherson
2. French
3. Jennings
4. Avua
5. Hoffman
6. Norman
7. Moses
8. Moeroa
9. King
10. Mannah
11. Mua
12. T-Rex
13. Brown
14. Kenny
15. Teripo
16. Matagi
17. Evans.
Gutho is undoubtedly giving himself every possible chance. He’s building up the strength in his knee but the challenge of lateral movement, stepping and pivoting lies ahead.
Did you forget Beau Scott in your team lists? Or Alvaro? I rate Marata as a genuine chance for NRL this year.
Bahahahahaha …yes I did sixties …lol.
Lets start that last team list again.
1. Gutherson
2. Hoffman
3. Jennings
4. Avua ( Hayne if he comes )
5. French
6. Norman
7. Moses
8. Alvaro
9. King
10. Mannah
11. Mua
12. Takarangi
13. Brown
14. Scott
15. Evans
16. Kenny
17. Moeroa ( extra middle forward ) aka prop.
18th man R.stone ( I like what I saw from him last year I think he can really push for a bench spot )
That looks a bit better. There’s going to be some competition in the forwards – eg Terepo, Matagi, Vave, Stone, Niukore, Pritchard will all have a claim to an NRL spot.
Hey Sixties. Any news on the 20s and there preseason thus far. Who the coaching staff are impressed with. . Same with SG Ball and Matts.?
The NYC only returned last week and Luke Burt has only just wrapped up with the Lebanon team, so not much feedback there.
I’m pretty sure that there’s still big squads in the junior reps. BA and his staff, esp Joey Grima, have been involved with their coaching sessions. Lachlan Wilmot has also started working with them. There’s normally some trials for them before the end of the year.
Nice reading as usual 60’s. I liked the bit about how the new trainer explains the elements and reasoning I guess for the work he sets for the players, no longer just the “do as I say” element, & having a reason makes heaps of sense along with the players getting a better understanding as well.
The other part is in regard to the older players and their adjustments to new techniques, this could be a challenge as old habits (learnt habits) are often hard to get out of the system.
You get buy in when you understand why something is being taught to you. Luckily the old dogs, and the young dogs, look happy to be learning new tricks.
Last year I was impressed by the way the players returned quickly from injury. Whilst that may have risk associated it seemed to work out alright last year. Only follow up casualty was French. Not sure what the problem was there
This year I will be interested to see if Lachlan Willmott can make a difference to their athletic performance. Their speed, acceleration and agility.
Also interested to see what Vave can do with a full preseason behind him and hoping Terepo has a better season than 17. Was looking forward to his performance in 17 but just did not arrive.
Starting to get excited about next year. Trying not to go off too early.
John, we can’t ignore the fact that every team takes steps to improve, or tries different things to motivate or get something extra from their players. It’s certainly a different pre-season for Parra this year.
Sixties, am I seeing things or has Vave slimmed down a bit? After seeing a photo of him and Kenny running side by side I cant tell if Kenny has bulked up or Vave has trimmed down.
Kenny is a very solid lad and fit.
I think the camera angle was a bit deceptive.
Great reporting as usual. Any word if BA will bring in a halves coach during pre season like last year or was that more for Gutho benefit. (Starting the year of at 5/8)
I think they liked what Noddy brought during pre-season last year and it just didn’t continue when trying to work the timetables going forward into 2017 season proper.
I haven’t heard of it happening this year, and considering they have a head coach, backs coach, skills coach, recruiting for forwards coach, 3 new athletics performance coaches, a sports scientist, trainers, physio, club doctor, and other support staff – all in an environment where the NRL is looking to cap NRL spending – I honestly think they are well covered.
Thanks Sixties. I was very much encouraged by the training format that you’ve observed and related to us. It appears from your report that considerable change has been created where trepidation of too much change may normally have been expected.
In a team where developing consistency has been a bench mark since BA arrived. It certainly shows the confidence Lachlan has in his methods, not to mention the confidence BA has in Lachlan.
As you said, change is good if everyone buys in.
It is quite stimulating to read your report and the interest it has stirred up from the other tragics who frequent this site.
God bless’ya mate. I hope you and Yoko have a wonderful break in the land of the long white cloud. Who will be seconded to lean on the fence at Saleyards while you’re gone?
Thanks Rowdy. I’ve posted a link on my Twitter account regarding the type of expertise that Lachlan brings to the Eels.
It’s only a short trip Rowdy. No doubt Parrathruandthru will maintain a presence during my absence.
Sixty
This site has so much going for it. You do a fantastic job and every time you put something up it feels like we were at the session with you .
Love to meet you at session in next few weeks and watch the boys . Keep up the good work your the ultimate professional
Thanks Paul. I’m usually there so definitely say gday.