Was it really January 15 today?
The atypical cooler conditions were certainly a welcome respite for footballers who’ve been slogging it out in the usual heat of the Sydney summer weather.
Nonetheless, this conditioning/opposed session lasted just on two hours and there were plenty of kilometres put into the squad’s legs.
For those in attendance, the tackle bag conditioning took place just in front of the spectators area. This allowed a true appreciation of the effort being exerted by the group.
Here’s a run down of the morning.
Conditioning
After the stretches, balancing and strengthening component, the squad moved into their “W runs” (the shape of the course). This stretches a 100 metre run out to close to 300 metres. These were followed by two 100 metre sprints.
Next up, Lachlan and Nathan had the players move into groups of 4 completing a relay involving tackle bags and shuttle runs. With this drill taking place immediately in front of our vantage point, the impact of the tackle bag hits and the strain on the lungs was most evident.
Kane Evans looked like he was out to destroy his bag as he repeatedly tried to drive it through the turf and into the topsoil. Likewise, Danny Alvaro continued to impress, giving everything he’s got to all facets of his training.
Kenny Edwards might just be in career-best shape.
Impressive efforts in the “W runs” and 100 metre sprints belonged to Kenny Edwards and Tim Mannah, both of whom clocked up wins – multiple wins for our captain. Young gun, Ray Stone, also kept himself in the forefront of performers.
I’m going to give a mention to Manu Ma’u. He caught the eye during the conditioning then followed it up with impressive wide running during the opposed work. He also looked to have his game face on today. He meant business.
For the rest of the session, conditioning and opposed work were interspersed.
Opposed
In a session which typified previous opposed work, players alternated between teams and positions were changed from last week. I wouldnt be predicting particular sides of the field or positions for certain players based on such sessions.
For the purposes of this report, I’m going to narrow the focus to key moments or players, then an overall impression.
* Pushing Their Case
Based on training efforts and form, it’s going to be hard to leave out Will Smith or Daniel Alvaro.
Polar’s form at the end of last season spoke for itself and he’s always been renowned for his work ethic on the training paddock. This year he’s taken his efforts to a new level, and his performances literally bellow out “watch this!” If round 1 was being selected this week, I’d lock him into the 17.
Will Smith has alternated through different spine positions in each opposed session and has excelled in every one. Today was no different. He delivered quality ball to runners, found open space himself, and constantly threatened with his footwork. His versatility (the ability to cover every backline position in addition to dummy half) makes him a prime contender for a bench spot. Again, he’d be in my 17.
* The Lock In?
Kaysa Pritchard is a dynamic player who began last season as the club’s number 1 dummy half. He’s training the house down this pre-season in an effort to win his spot back – and that’s hardly surprising. His unfortunate injury in 2017 opened the door for Cameron King to debut and the former Dragon and Cowboy grasped his opportunity with both hands.
Cam King – confident in his organising around the ruck.
Based on his incumbent status, and opposed form, I’m close to locking Cameron King in for round 1. There is a confidence around his control out of dummy half which is difficult to ignore. His kicking game, which provides a third option for the team, further pushes his claim.
It’s a good position for the club to have both King and Pritchard as dummy half candidates, with Reed Mahoney and Kyle Schneider coming through the ranks.
* Taka’s Talent
Brad Takairangi has returned from his RLWC duties in really good shape. At different moments during the conditioning work, Taka was out near the front and pushing hard.
Is he now a centre or a back rower?
Taka – impressive ball skills
He’s spent time in both, but his time in the second row today was very encouraging. Those ball skills that he’s renowned for were on display as he created space in a right side shift that resulted in Will Smith crossing for a clever try.
If he doesn’t get a starting side spot in the centres, he’d certainly offer some variety and impact off the bench. Food for thought for the coaches.
* Hayne Watch
Jarryd will have to continue that catch up conditioning journey that we all knew he’d be on. However, every time training switches to game mode, Hayne reminds everyone of his ability.
Today it was a defensive moment which stood out.
With the attacking side creating a clear run down the left wing, Hayne went into overdrive to chase down and smash the winger.
The “Plane” has covered a few spots in the opposed work and I couldn’t fault his performances. My confidence is growing.
The Overview
This was a very solid start to the week.
Even though there were plenty of positives, the conclusion to last week featured a bit too much dropped ball. Today that was almost non-existent.
The players themselves were pleased with their performance and these seem to be echoed by the coaches. With close to two months of the pre-season still remaining, there’s plenty of water to go under the bridge before a ball is kicked in anger. We must always be wary of reading too much into early training form.
Nonetheless, the early signs continue to be promising.
Eels forever!
Sixties
I cant remember the last time that positions were so open and up for grabs. I think that it speaks volumes for the quality of depth within the squad.
Will Smith has turned out to be an astute purchase and I see a long future for him at the club. Having said that BA has made a few of those. Brown and Moses also come to mind among others.
Exactly John. Add in versatility too. The players in the backline can cover multiple positions.
Are we forgetting one thing? Heat. Whilst the discussion rages about who should be on the bench it is clear we should have only the best performing forwards starting.
With the summer heat still with us I feel that it would be wisdom to have the bench filled with fast forwards rather then big heavy forwards but, including Will Smith. As the season settles down after one month the big boppers will come into their own.
In this heat wave conditions the big blokes will give our quicker and so speed will be a telling factor. And, be sides Brad Arthur is not the sort to coach who is too afraid to mix it up with different teams. Not every club has giant forwards so horses for courses is a good option the coach will use.
My bench to start would be Alvaro, Edwards, Scott and Smith.
I do have say with Sixties reporting as to the way the players are responding it brings a smile to one’s face. I am actually beginning to think this year will be big!! I am a thousand miles away and I can sense the excitement.
My only concern is player’s mental welfare when they don’t make the team or the bench particularly if they are training so hard. These players that miss out will need ongoing encouragement to continue to push for a starting spot.
One more thing. I is a nice feeling and a comfort that you are allowed to express your opinion without being abused whether people agree or disagree. Debates are about an expression of belief and discussions are never stimulated where there exists negative personal name calling or derisive comments.
Well done TCT.
Ahh back again, sixties its under 2 months till the first game i think.
You have mentioned a few things today and something to take note of….King for me was always first choice but i am a fan; and JH will be back to his high levels – not guaranteed i know but he seems to have the attitude back.
One question 60’s, Will Smith on the bench? I am interested in the pros and cons of this? As i am not sold on it, and know it may occur for certain games but i see our players in the backs and fwds too mobile enough to cover…..time will tell.
This is just my opinion. I believe that it’s a tougher ask to expect Manu or Kenny to play in the backs. Plus Smith can cover dummy half. The only alternative would be that Kenny could slot into the halves should an injury occur there. He could also play halves should there be an injury to the outside backs, with Norman to shift out.
I respect that young man and take on board; i guess last yrs semi final was not good with Smith at FB; and dont get me wrong i like the lad, and he is one tough cookie. I was just seeing in terms of versatility. Smith has done well at DH; but fullback i would see more of.
by the way do you know if the trial at Maitland would be more of the nrl boys playing? Or i gather it may be too early.
Bring on the trials.
Can’t wait
Good read once again 😊 Keep up tbe great work 👍 Go Parra
Thanks Mark.
Things are building. I’m getting more and more excited with each one of these I read.
It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this confident.
Your words can’t fool me either Sixties – I know your busting to say it too but you don’t want to jinx anything.
I hope he is not busting Trouser to say its the ‘best pre season…..’; surely not….
I’m skilled at a jinx! I think my record speaks for itself.
Excellent report once again. I think Kane Evans has the potential to really help our team. Let’s hope he continues to progress and develop.
I for one have no real idea who will be in the 17 ( of course if fit there are some obvious selections, Brown, Moses, Norman etc) or the positions they will all play and will not insult any of the professional coaches we have by guessing as I am sure they know what they are doing.
Of course like everyone I have my opinion and favourite players, and sometimes this clouds my judgement. Kenny and Taka would be in my team every week simply but not exclusively because of the passion they show.I think this desire and passion is often the difference between the good and best teams each year. This is probably not the best or most important criteria to use when selecting a team but that’s why I am a supporter and not a coach.
All I know for sure is that some really top quality players will miss out in round 1 and this is refreshing as in the past I often struggled to name 17 that I thought were actually top quality first graders.
Parra fans should embrace this depth and trust the coaches to work it out. We will have excellent cover when and if injury occurs and we will be able to rest players if they are injured ( or need a break) rather than rushing them back or playing them and risking further injury. For example I don’t think Norman ever really got over his knee/ hamstring injuries last year and I believe it significantly restricted him in the end of season games. Not his fault at all, he played through and to his absolute credit he did his best but I believe you could see that his movement was restricted and this is such an important part of his game and what he brings to the team. An ability to give an extra 1-2 weeks to players recovering from injury is invaluable but can only really happen if you have depth, otherwise you risk missing the finals all together.
The Roosters and Melbourne 1-13 may look better on paper but the Roosters have very little depth at all, one or two injuries in the backs or halves and seriously who will they play and the Storm have lost a lot of depth and cover as well from last year.
With this squad we have the potential to achieve much more consistency ( I hope anyway) and make a strong push for a top two finish, that way avoiding a final in Nth Qld or Melbourne and the home town referring that invariably comes with it.
Well said Shelley and i agree about Norman; he was hampered at times imo.
Easts…..huh they have more pressure on them than our PM.
Ditto Mitchy.
Shelley, you’ve nailed it again – on two fronts.
Firstly, as supporters it’s common to have favourite players and we look at them more favourably. The coach has to pick a winning team (yes, the good ones like BA help all players to reach their potential).
Secondly, depth. The forward depth is very strong. The strength in the backs is their versatlity, which means we don’t need depth across all backline spots. Eg we don’t need to have back up first grade halves playing half for Wenty.
Shelley just on depth I glanced at the Broncos comings and goings the other day and they look to have lost a lot more class than they have gained. Maybe I am missing something but they seem to be putting a lot of confidence in the juniors they have coming thru.
It’s a fair pool for them to draw from John, but I agree. I expect them to make the 8 – just!
There seems to be a lot of confidence in each other and “The Team” from the players this year judging from interviews I’ve read and seen on social media. I am talking about Corey Norman here, not Tim Mannah, whom I love as a player but who can play the leadership role and diplomatic communicator a little too well more often than not.
This is a great sign because I think that if player ‘x’ has faith and trust in player ‘y’ then they’ll be confident to try things in attack or defence that they wouldn’t otherwise and, chances are, that faith will be repaid in kind. It makes for a better team performance, by far, than you could otherwise expect.
It gives me hope to hear and see players talking up their coworkers and doing so as a matter of fact, not hyperbole.
You can hear that regularly in the talk at training too Rob. If I mention the talk in my report, then you can take it that the talk that day was extraordinary. There’s a great culture in place.
Can you tell me where time an days parts train love 2 go watch a session thx
The club doesn’t put out times and days as they can be changed given that they aren’t open training sessions. Check your email.
Ive read with interest over the past few years that Parra concentrate as much now days on skill versus size when assessing future requirements with regard to our juniors. Sure there is a place for big men in our game but size must be supported with skill. Quick play the ball, offloads etc. A good big man will beat a good little man dosent always hold true.
Smith was a revelation last season particularly when in the 9 jumper. His defence was great and his speed created many an opportunity.
Compare Smiths team value versus Vave’s contribution last season.
No comparison.
Smith in the 14 for mine. Sorry Kaysa. You will have to wait your turn.
Gazza, whilst we still want size, we were perhaps guilty of selecting junior players who were already big and in doing so perhaps we missed out on some skilled players or later developers.
I’m always impressed with the skills work that we put into our squad, even those who are already rated for their skills.
Great stuff again 60’s, only 50 days to go before Rnd 1 kick off. Agree the make up of the bench is wide open, I guess that trial form will also be a consideration in the make up of the 17 to kick the season off .