When it comes to Eels training, nothing beats a good old opposed session. If you’re passionate about the blue and gold, watching two teams of Parra players slog it out on the footy field makes the pre-season pass a little quicker.
Two NRL referees were again in action, with Russell Smith overseeing their work. The whistle was blown a little more often today, though it was difficult to pinpoint whether it was a specific infringement which needs to be addressed.
The green and blue teams were changed up throughout the morning, specifically the forwards. The match also alternated between contact and two hand touch, with the latter providing an up-tempo clash.
Given that the “big” moments in opposed sessions seem to be produced by the backs, today I made a point of focussing on the forwards.
Here’s an overview of the work:
Superman Without The Cape
In both attack and defence, Tepai Moeroa was a standout. It was one of his defensive plays that was a highlight of the session.
Tepai was a standout performer this morning.
With Dane Aukafolau put into open space, Tep turned, chased and ran down the big winger. This may have only been an opposed session, but the powerful back rower left nothing in the tank in the chase. The cries of “get him Tep, get him” (I think Murf may have been the loudest in the call) echoed around Saleyards Reserve followed by the cheers as he reeled Aukafolau in.
I must also commend Tepai for his talk in the goal line defence. It was an impressive performance all round.
Try Scoring Freak
Daniel Alvaro has been one of the pre-season standouts and today he reminded us of his determination when attacking the line – see season 2017. Polar featured in a number of charges inside the 20, ultimately scoring a try as he fought free of the tackle to plant the ball down.
I suspect that Danny has already benefitted from his work with Lachlan Wilmot. There appears to be a difference in his stride, and he seems to be a stronger conveyance. Whilst it’s possible that it’s too early to make such a call, there’s no doubting that Alvaro is making all posts a winner.
Nathan Brown
Brown plays an interesting role at the Eels. He can ball play before, at, or in the line, yet he can also function as a powerful runner. Unleashing this versatility was one of BA’s master strokes in 2017.
This morning, Browny demonstrated that he’s likely to take up where he left off last year. A mixture of hit-ups and offloads featured throughout the contest, with one drop off to a rampaging Suaia Matagi requiring desperation defence to prevent the line being breached.
Worth A Mention
Cameron King continues to impress. It’s as if he has all the time in the world as he follows the ball from ruck to ruck, surveying the defence as he moves into position. His service and kicking from dummy half was almost faultless today.
Marata Niukore made some impressive defensive reads. On one play he read a Bevan French dummy and run, tracking the fullback and driving him towards the sideline.
Remember that name – Ray Stone.
Ray Stone continues to reward the coaches’ judgement of elevating him to a development contract. The hard as nails back rower looks like he belongs in a first grade squad. He’s definitely a player of the future.
Overall
There was plenty to like about today. There were also some moments that wouldn’t have pleased the coaches.
On the negative, there was a bit of dropped ball and some opportunities not taken. It may only be training but BA would want to see game day traits rehearsed in opposed sessions, so there’s a bit to work on there.
On the positive there was plenty of energy and great communication in defence. Mitch Moses is absolutely outstanding in this regard, and Jarryd Hayne was also a strong voice, especially on the line.
Joey Grima must surely have been delighted watching his skills coaching come to fruition in this morning’s session. It was evident that the catch and pass work resulted in some sweet ball movement. As a regular visitor to Eels training, it’s gratifying to watch skills drills translate to games.
Bring on tomorrow.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Thanks for the updates Sixties. Great to follow for a bloke that lives down south in dragons (all about Hunt) territory!
Cheers Andrew. Hope you get to make the trip up again some time.
On’ya Sixties.
The subtle differences in each training report make for very interesting reading. I love the way you are able to point out individual player performances and give us reader, followers, insights into their development, enthusiasm and teamwork.
Cheers mate.
Cheers Rowdy. That was a strong focus today – looking for the effort of some forwards. Thanks for the kind words.
This was an excellent read! Thank you very much for continuing to make the pre season bearable.
Thanks Jack. Once they start these opposed sessions, the fun kicks in!
Thanks Chief. The fact is, we are lucky to have a football dep’t, headed by BA, that allows fans to watch training. Even more so, TCT have been able to conduct Tip Sheet interviews at the Saleyards facility. That says plenty about the value placed on supporters.
At the risk of sounding ungrateful and greedy I’ll say this; more, more more!
Thank you for enlightening us on our beloved team’s development and training.
Aiming to bring you more tomorrow Rob. Then TCT plans on covering the junior rep trials – though the changes due to the heat have impacted our plans somewhat.
It seems from your reports Cameron King is a certainty for hooker role.
Thanks sixties
That’s my call, though we know that Kaysa will bust his arse to get a shot. Interesting that BA said that Cam King delivered solid 7/10 performances at the end of last year and now he’s looking for 8/10 this year. BA always wants his players to take their games up a notch each year.
Goose bumps!
Nice work once again.
Thanks fellas.
Hi TCT,
Have been reading since you kicked off and have to say I love these training reports. It almost makes the long wait for the season to begin bearable. Keep up the great work.
Am I correct in assuming this is your first reply? If so, welcome aboard!
How is T – Rex looking sixties? Is BA looking at trimming him down and any idea till he is in full contact training?
From photos Vave looks very overwieght.
Both of the fellas have been in rehab and both appear to have trimmed down since training commenced. I’m looking forward to T Rex commencing his contact work, but I’m not sure about the time frame.
Chiefy can i ask you about Evans? Do you think he will be in the 17? I think yes….
Thanks again Sixties; have you noticed players being more vocal at training? And which ones stand out?
We seem to have more depth this year which is v good and competition for spots will be interesting to see.
Thursday’s session was especially big for talk. The wingers do a bit of talking in defence and Moses does a great job of communicating to defenders around himself.
congratulations 60’s ,nothing has changed, you still do the training to perfection.
I liked that article on the COE and I think you are pushing the right horse, you have identified the difficulties in the project from a financial perspective and it is going to be an issue going forward.
No criticism, just this needs to be a focus that we cannot lose sight off.
It already seems that the current set up is not up to standard and as Chris point’s out, is only going to get worse.
Am I understanding that the saleyard facility is leasehold and the value of the real estate means that some sort of relocation needs to happen at a point of time. i.e it is not allocated for any exclusivity to us from a future perspective.