I’ve frequently expressed my gratitude about Eels training sessions not being behind closed doors. Additionally, I’ve been grateful for the access granted to TCT for our Tip Sheet interviews. Both are indicative of the value that Brad Arthur, the Football Department, and the Parramatta club place on the fans.
Today was another reminder of how fortunate we are. Fortunate to watch how the Eels prepare for a season; fortunate to watch yet another example of the time and care that goes into preparing the next generation of Eels.
In attendance at Saleyards were a group of young prospective Eels and Eels talent scouts, brought in from far and wide by Anthony Field for this weekend’s junior rep trials.
On arrival, they were treated to a welcome from the Eels coaches. This included an explanation from Brad Arthur about what the NRL squad would be undertaking in the session, the importance of the work and how executing such plays at training will benefit the team in matches. (Now I need to work out a way of getting this run down myself)
Today’s session structure involved conditioning via tackle bag drills, interspersed with structured and unstructured opposed work. There’s plenty to report from this solid two hour hit out.
The Tackle Bags
This was relentless.
Players sequenced through a line up of tackle bags, with a player landing on top of them with a tackle pad, simulating the effort in making a tackle with a second tackler joining in. This was no “wrestle”. It was old fashioned give it all you’ve got, then get up and make the next shot.
Tim Mannah launching into the tackle bag.
There was no hiding in this drill. As each group of players made their way along the line, Eels staff encouraged or demanded effort on effort. All this took place within a couple of metres of the vantage point we shared with the young visiting players.
In considering the opinions of others in attendance, I’m offering a 3,2,1 rating from this drill:
3: Tepai Moeroa – absolutely smashed the bags, continuing his recent training form
2: Danny Alvaro – almost seemed to simultaneously lift the bag and drill it into the ground (simulating driving an attacker onto his back)
1: Will Smith – this bloke might not be big, but you wouldn’t want to be on the end of one of his hits
Reed Mahoney deserves mentioning too. Virtually every tackle saw his body flying parallel to the ground in a near flawless technique. He was definitely on my suspect list for one bag’s demolition.
Structured Opposed
Two structured games were played during the session.
Jenko provided a timely reminder of his pace and elusiveness out wide. Two clean breaks provided two tries for his blue team. Tellingly, it was the great work on the inside that provided the space for his explosive speed.
On one of these plays a superb ball from Manu Ma’u put Smith through the tightest of gaps. Any player, like Smith, would be confident to see Jennings scream up in support – the try being the inevitable conclusion.
Hayne was almost arrogant in his four pointer. A rapid shift to the right inside the twenty saw the centre confronted by a sliding defence. A player of his size and explosive pace didn’t need a second invitation – the pedal was pushed to the metal as Hayne crashed through two defenders to plant the ball down.
Unstructured – It’s A Ghost Town!
This game of drop off provides an enormous advantage for the team in possession, with the defending team starting with only 11 players. They get around 6 sets with the ball with defenders dropping out for certain sets, culminating in around 9 or 10 in the defence line for the final set. The compensation is that for every set, they lose one use of the ball – ie Set one,6 plays, set two, 5 plays…… set six, 1 play.
It’s a rapid two hand touch game, with the best comparison being League 9s or Rugby 7s.
Normz brought the fun today.
The blue team were given first use of the ball but could only manage one try. Still, that was enough for Corey to declare the victory as certain.
Early on, as the blues defended every trick shot, it seemed as if Normz had called it. His fun banter about how easily the blues were defending the greens was becoming louder.
“It’s a ghost town over there!”
You can almost predict where this is going. A try soon levelled the score and one play remained – a one tackle set – one shot for the win.
Enter the man of the moment – David Gower.
Hot potato ball movement saw the ball in Gowie’s hands and the big play unfolded with a perfectly judged grubber kick from about 35 metres out into the corner. Nathan Davis flew down the sideline to gather the ball and dive over the line.
I’m pretty sure I heard Gower offer Normz some assistance for his kicking during extras.
The second helping of structured footy followed this game. The instruction from BA was very clear – get your heads back on, work through your shapes and show some urgency about it!
And the fellas delivered.
Thanks To Cam King
At the conclusion of the session, Cameron King came over to say g’day. Among other things, we discussed his impression of the morning’s work and his combination with the Eels halves.
Considering the hot conditions today, a cool drink in the shade was surely more appealing for any player.
We were certainly appreciative of his time.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Sixties, I just shake my head in awe of these articles….Fantastic read AGAIN
Following in the footsteps of “Parra Pete”
Good write up sixties.
Must be tough going in this heat for the boys to go thru there drills.
On a better note it’s good to see there in good spirits while training in 40+ degree heat.
Any other stand out performer apart from tepai moeroa ?
How’s the injury’s of T-Rex n gutherson coming along any news on them yet ?
#Eels4life#
The spine functioned well, and Jenko took advantage of his opportunities. It’s always difficult to assess the forwards in the opposed sessions. They are expected to position themselves well in defence, maintain shapes and run through plays – but many runs through the centre can involve a submission. Hence, many standout moments in these sessions arrive out wide as its more common for players to hit holes with pace. I’d probably need to go over a video to assess the middle forwards.
Gutho is a machine – he’d probably run for the entire day if he was allowed. It’s obvious that he’s desperate to join the squad in the opposed work, and you can hear him call out encouragement from the rehab group.
TRex has not been on the field during the last couple of days. Perhaps his rehab work has been indoors.
Cheers sixties. Keep the good words coming ….
Gowies going to get a big head. It’s already outgrowing his hair, I’m sure he doesn’t need any more assistance..
Nice to hear the players having a bit of banter. A tight knit team is exactly what we need.
The banter was all at the right time – in the unstructured game and after the session. The fellas seemed fairly pleased with their week.
I envy you blokes, I really do. Thanks for giving a little taste of what it’s like to be there.
Really enjoyed watching this session. Hope that came through in the report.
I’m really excited about Tepai Moeroa for the upcoming season. The last two seasons or so he had become a super consistent and reliable defender – but hasn’t quite had the impact in attack that he did when he burst onto the scene. With his NRL experience and what looks to be an even bigger frame than last year, i think he’ll make a big claim to being one of our top attacking threats this year. Cheers for the write up!
I’m tipping a big year for him too Hearndo.
I’m with you both on this. It was very disappointing to see Tepai come off early in the Semi Final against the Storm last year, and then not make it back onto the field again. He was making some powerful charges and proving a handful for the Melbourne defenders at the time. And now Sixties reliably informs us that he is running down outside backs at training in the searing heat! I think that Tepai is about to go to the next level as a player.
Thanks for my league fix Sixties. The continued stand-out training performances from Alvaro suggests he will be hard to ignore from the starting 13…maybe Evans will start from the bench?
Whether he starts or not, I reckon Polar has almost demanded his inclusion in the 17.
HI sixties
Great read thank you. who has replaced Luke Burt and the other assistant coach that we lost to the tigers?
It looks like Dean Feeney, Burt’s assistant last year is likely to get the job.
There is no replacement for Peter Gentle.
Outstanding once again Sixties, I reckon you captured the atmosphere very well.
I’d like to make mention of Stone. I thought he trained like a man possessed. Every effort was at full tilt. His 30 metre shuttle runs to the end of the tackle bag rows, between sets of smashing the shoulder in, were sprints. I don’t want to heap pressure on him by any means but his commitment and effort are clearly evident. Definitely what the coaches want to see. Also, to be honest the whole squad seemed to brush aside the hot weather, they just pushed on without complaint. Some did hose themselves down racehorse style after though.
Thanks again Sixties.
Well noted Fletch – you see how beneficial an extra pair of eyes is!
Seems like a well structured session Sixties; it seems the boys are hitting it well during the game like activities with a good mix of competition and jousting.
Sixties who is running these drills? Is it a mix of BA; and coach assistant in Grima and Murphy or strictly BA? I noticed he seems to be running a few (BA).
I also hear that the 2nd trial up at Maitland will be the main hit out; i should be able to make that one in late Feb.
BA is in control of the opposed sessions, with Murf and Joey adding their voice during play and when the coaches get together to speak. Joey refs the matches when NRL refs aren’t there.
In the skills, Joey has been running general skills and backs skills along with Murf. Last week BA ran the forwards through some plays and shapes – something that he’s also done in past years.