What a difference a day makes!
Twenty-four hours earlier, the media were virtually elbowing each other for sideline space to score vision of Jarryd Hayne’s first day back in the blue and gold. Today, I was one of only two spectators as the Eels went through their paces.
Quite frankly there was more to see this morning as Hayne undertook a running mechanics and skills session with the squad. Of course, the club was organised for yesterday’s media frenzy, whereas today was a return to normality at Old Saleyards.
There was more of the typical team banter. More laughs mixed in with the hard work. It’s a team which enjoys each other’s company, whilst still focussing on achieving their best. The new additions to the squad, including the development contract fellas, are maintaining the new work ethic which typifies the new Eels culture.
This session was actually the usual Tuesday program, without the Lake Gillawarna hills. However, for players such as Ma’u, Scott, Terepo, Jennings, Takairangi and Hayne, the running mechanics marked new territory for an Eels training session.
As per previous weeks, the squad was split into two groups for field work that covered just over two hours. With one group out on the field, the other slogs it away in the gym. For any observer, the smaller groups makes it easier to note individual performances.
Running Mechanics
Lachlan Wilmot and his staff continued their specialised training with the largest groups that they’ve worked with this year. Some of the players had their mechanics modified according to their stage of rehabilitation.
Gutho shows his form over the smaller hurdles.
In addition to the usual equipment, larger hurdles were introduced. The players were rhythmically stepping over the hurdles in a drill which was interesting to observe.
I didn’t speak to Lachlan about the purpose of this drill, so instead I’ll offer my observations of the players.
Like any new task, the final run through was better than the first. Corey Norman was typically a standout, with Will Smith not far behind. With his background in running, Hayne showcased his athleticism. Tepai Moeroa has a well-documented history in athletics, and his form suggested that he’d spent some time stepping over hurdles.
I’ve previously described Michael Jennings at full pace as the Rolls Royce of the footy field. His first session on the running track with Wilmot did nothing to change that opinion.
Taller players such as Nathan Davis and Dane Akaufolau enjoyed a natural advantage with their longer legs. For them, it was about finding the form and rhythm in their movement. For shorter players such as the previously mentioned Will Smith, it was that form and rhythm which facilitated their success with this drill.
Skills
Hand position in catching and passing – it’s a core skill I’ve written about in past training reports. It was again a feature of this morning’s drills with Joey Grima.
Short passes, long passes. Left to right, right to left. Small groups with multiple footies, long shifts across the field. Joey mixes up the methodology in delivering the skills that are at the core of our great game.
Again, it’s probably more informative to pass on some individual observations.
Players such as Beau Scott and Tim Mannah are standout professionals in everything they do, including these types of drills. Professionals of the future such as Ray Stone and Reed Mahoney display their dedication to improve at every session. They are making the most of their first NRL pre-season.
As Jaeman Salmon worked alongside Jarryd Hayne I reflected on the learning curve that he’s experiencing as a development contract player. Twelve months ago, the thought that he’d soon be training alongside the likes of Hayne, Norman, Moses and Gutherson would have probably been far from his mind. Yet there he was today on the end of some Hayne spiral pass specials.
Kane Evans – adding to his skill set.
Moses and Norman always demand attention with their skills. There is little difference between which side of the body that they pass from. A player like Kane Evans, who previously focussed on little else but carrying the footy in attack, is adding to his skill set from these sessions. And yes, the big fella is completing drills that he’s never done before.
As the session reached its conclusion Bevan French and Cam King showed off as they shifted the ball across almost the width of the field in two passes. With blistering speed, French’s ball skills are often overlooked. Today he showed off some skills that can’t be coached as he caught a ball and then spiralled a one-handed pass behind his back that landed on the chest of his target 30 metres away.
And that’s probably a good place to wrap up this report.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Im so pleased Jarryd was afforded some respite from the barrage of media pressure. Given the attention hes been subjected to, I felt he handled yesterdays interview very well.
Great report. Cheers 60s.
Agreed Gazza. He handled it very well.
Hi SIXTIES
As usual a most informative and detailed report. You mentioned players on development contracts-could you advise which of our players fall under this classification?
Salmon, Aukafolau, Leleisiuao, Stone, Mahoney, & Afualo are the rookie guys
Yes, with Mahoney and Afualo still on Under 20 arrangements.
Do you mean they are not yet on full time contracts?
They are there for the pre-season.
I don’t know for sure but I believe it is the six players under the age of 22 (in 2018):
Afualo
Aukafolau
Leleisiuao
Mahoney
Salmon
Stone
The Development deals aren’t limited to being under 22. An older player can still qualify.
Sure, but we have exactly six players under 22 appearing in the training pics. Everyone else is 23 or older in 2018, with the exception of French and Niukore, who turn 22 next year.
My comment was just to clarify the age misconception that’s floating around out there with development contracts
Speaking of which, I haven’t seen Afualo or Leleisiuao in any of the training photos or footage. The other four have been fairly prominent. Have any of you in attendance seen these two?
I think Tui is back training with 20s. Not sure about GL
Cheers benny. I actually found a training pic that looks like it might be Leleisiuao wearing sneakers (red Nikes) while everyone else is in studs: https://www.parraeels.com.au/siteassets/2018/january/week-one-training—hayne-returns/192a2724.jpg?center=0.3%2C0.5&preset=photo-enlarged
So maybe he’s injured.
GL has been rehabbing a knee. Tui is now back with 20s.
Cheers sixties
Sixties great read today mate and thank you for venturing down. I’d be keen to head down next wk and will message you mate.
It’s great to see what they’re doing and i am v happy to hear about Scott and Evans. If fit these two can be superb; albeit different players but aggressive.
Like others its good to see no media were there today and JH can just train, as can the squad.
Just reading the variety that goes on makes you think about the variety of things each club does.
Thanks again, and is Kaysa on rehab or back to fully fit.?
Look forward to catching up mate.
The first time that I saw Bevan play was in the NYC and he played 5/8 on that occasion. After that game I think he moved to FB. He always even then had the gift to know when to chime into the backline from FB
He has some impressive skills and Ive seen him execute some freakish plays at training.
Excellent stuff, good to read re the development players and how they are fitting in.
The aspect that the circus had pulled their tent down and left the ground for those who have real businesses to attend is hopefully a sign of the time and glad to say good by to them. You fit in the element of how the players responded to that great news and views today.
Colin, we’ve had to read about rumoured rifts, departures and retirements. None of it was true. I was well and truly over the crap.
There is a lot of talk regarding hookers. Personally I prefer King. King offers a different game to Pritchard. King is more structured with a kicking game and Pritchard offers more intensity and can make an impact off the bench.
Id like your opinion on the next crop of hookers coming through the club.
All reports there are 2
17yo Kyle Schneider
19yo Reed Mahoney
Again info iv been informed
Kyle – Big. structured hooker with maturity beyond his years, Great kicking game and game management, Real leader of a team. Captains all teams his in. Plus recently was named along side future origin players in Emerging blues squad along side Meroa, Mosses, French, Huge wraps for a young player
Reed – Similar to pritchard, Offers great intensity and works his but off Great defender, Has a great running game. Only thing i can see with him is his size worries me.
Whats your thoughts.?
Dessy- we are well served with dummy halves coming through. You’ve offered a reasonable assessment of Schneider. He is an extremely intelligent footballer. A leader with great game management and captained the SG Ball as a 17 year old. The club is also doing great work with his total development as a player.
Reed Mahoney just gets better and better. He has taken every advantage of this pre-season – has a few tricks in his kit and will learn when to take particular options as he gains more experience. Has been a stand out with his work/learning ethic at training.
By the way – both fellas are good blokes too.
Thank you Sixties. Looking forward to watching them both progress. Obviously Reed will get first shot at the position if required through age as Schneider will be no where ready. But great to know we have options with both boys developing well.
No comment on Williams, is he still carrying an injury?
He’s still rehabbing but progressing well. I don’t tend to mention the rehab group because it fluctuates. A player might have a niggle and be there for a week. During the season, a player might spend a couple of days there, then play. Furthermore, I prefer to let the club put out details about injuries – and I think that’s part of NRL protocol.
Hey Sixtie,
Do you know if Faingaa is stil with us? A few rumours went around that he left for the Tigers….? Imo he was a good prospect in the back row.
I believe he’s under contract for another two years.
Hi Sixty
I am off all next week. What time is best to come down to watch the boys train ? Love to meet you and have a chat.
Great read as always. Very impressive by the sounds of it.
Finally, any smokey for Round 1 ? If you had to name a player from the pre season that could force his way into the 17 who would it be and why ?
Thanks again
Check your email mate.
Smokey?
To be honest, I don’t see one. I think that every round 1 player will be an experienced NRL player.
If you ask me who will be the next to debut in first grade, I’ll go with Marata Niukore.
Great read again big fella. I reckon the only smokey to be a look-in for Round 1 is Gutho. He will be so determined to keep JH out of the #1 jumper and to not even give him a sniff that IMMhO (large 2nd M for most and small h for humble) Gutho will prove to BA and the medical staff that he IS ready to pull on the #1 jersey for Rd 1. A jumper he will keep until we win the 2018 GF.
My untrained medical eye agrees with you Rowdy, but I know that he won’t be rushed, so a round 1 return would stun me despite what I see.