The Cumberland Throw

Eels Pre-Season Training – February 21, 2018: Smith Stuns

Wednesday done and dusted.

With this spirited opposed session under the belt, the Parramatta Eels are now only a captain’s run away from finishing their preparations for Saturday’s trial.

After waiting till virtually the end of February for this first and only trial, there’s little doubt that a small collection of players would be literally tearing down the walls to play. Nearly four months have passed since that first group of players returned to Saleyards for the pre-season – it’s a long time to train without playing.

The squad took to the field a little later than usual this morning, but the milder conditions this week meant that the heat wasn’t a factor. In fact, the players look energised and ready to rip in.

Here’s a run down of this morning’s highlights:

Gutho Update

Unlike Monday’s cameo appearance in the opposed work, Clint Gutherson completed the full session today.

I reckon it’s come at just the right time for the King.

A buoyant Gutho rejoined the squad on the field this week.

It’s a tough gig to work back through such a long rehabilitation, but re-joining the fellas in the week of the first trial would be just the tonic. Even though he’s not playing, that sense of helping out the squad in their preparations would go a long way towards making him feel like he’s part of the team.

And today, he was very solid in the fullback role. His coverage of the kicks was sound and his injection into the backline added punch to the Green’s attack. More on that later.

The King rounded out his morning with a bit of goal kicking practice. Struck them sweetly too.

The Standout Moments

* Will Smith Wows

The man of a thousand backline positions brought the magic from fullback towards the latter part of the hit out. After starting with the Greens, Smith swapped teams with French to assume the custodian role for the Blues.

Fielding a ball off the ground in the in-goal, his dazzling footwork bamboozled the kick/chase as he darted into the quarter. With defenders shooting across in cover, Smith found Michael Jennings looming in support and the Rolls Royce of centres glided over 70 metres for the try.

* Master & Apprentice

Both may have been wearing the orange vests, but it didn’t stop Clint Gutherson and Jaeman Salmon combining down the left for a surprise early try to the greens.

It was an example of great hands by both, creating space for the winger. Gutherson timed his involvement perfectly and his pass was a reminder of his skills with the ball in hand.

* Tim Mannah Finds His Attacking Mojo

In previous training posts I’ve referred to the captain’s work through the middle, and his charges off good lines. Today he peppered his performance with impressive passes, but capped it off with a surprising four pointer.

As the Green team set themselves to defend their line, the Blues looked set for a typical out the back attacking shape. However, taking a short ball about 15 metres out, Mannah accelerated into space through the centre and dived over for a try under the posts.

Our 2015 Ken Thornett Medallist certainly looks to be in the best shape of his career and has been one of the most consistent performers of the pre-season.

* Aukafolau Steps Up

In a recent assessment of some of the fringe first-graders, I suggested that big Dane had been one of the most improved since the new year started.

This morning he created a try from nothing as he turned a bit of space into a try for Nathan Davis. Playing on the wing, Aukafolau got past his opposite before kicking ahead, with Davis winning the race to ground the ball. The kick was something that I wasn’t aware Dane had in his kit bag of skills (though all of the backs do practise their kicking).

* GL Marks His Own Cards?

Virtually every hit up from Greg Leleisiuao this morning required serious effort from the defenders. Whether it was on the edge of the ruck or through the middle after a kick, I can’t recall any ambling into the defence.

One of these bullocking charges planted Beau Scott onto his backside. Scott is not renowned for any half measures in opposed sessions. In fact, if you’re carrying a football, you’re fair game for one of his hits.

You could see the veteran back rower imprint this collision with GL in the memory bank.

I’m looking forward to their next opposed session.

Are You Ready?

With only three sleeps until the Eels and Knights trial at a sold-out Maitland Sports Ground, TCT would like to remind fans that the Eels will be live streaming the match with commentary by Adam Hawes.

The team list is a fair indication of who we can expect to take the field in Round 1.

I wouldn’t read too much into Tepai’s name appearing well down the list. Although he’s looked good in the last few opposed sessions, the powerful second rower is probably somewhat under done having spent a bit of time in rehab recently. I also believe that Will Smith almost demands to be included in the premiership opener.

Bring on Saturday.

Eels forever!

Sixties

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21 thoughts on “Eels Pre-Season Training – February 21, 2018: Smith Stuns

  1. Fuuuuuuui

    Thanks for another great write up!

    I reckon BA is going to be having some sleepless nights thinking about where the hell he is going to fit Will in!

    Where do you think he should play Sixties? Who misses out? I’d say wing or 14 but we need at least 1 big winger and I don’t think we can afford to drop a forward off the bench.

    1. sixties Post author

      I think he’s an ideal 14 Fuiiii. Our version of a super sub. Although he could cover wing, I don’t see him taking a starting spot there.

  2. Keyser Soze

    Hi Sixties,

    I enjoy reading your reports and want to thank you for posting these. I recall reading last year a lot about how impressive Bevan French was at training. His name seems to be largely absent from the highlights this year. Is his form down compared to last year?

    1. sixties Post author

      It’s a different Bevan this year. He is more confident, more talkative. Bevan will even get involved in a bit of banter with Corey, which is probably a measure of how confident and comfortable he feels in the team. He is also far more vocal in calling defenders from fullback. He still has Bevan moments, and I’m sure I’ve referenced him during my reports. If I haven’t, rest assured he’s been training fine.

  3. Paul taylor

    Mate watched a highlights reel of Hayne last nite. If he can get get back to 80% of that form we are serious contenders .

    Any smokies for round 1 mate ? BA doesn’t like making changes so early on .

  4. Colin Hussey

    Good read as per usual 60’s.

    I am really looking for Mannah to have a big year, with the summer break it likely has helped him build his strength and get over some niggling problems that I believe held him back a bit last year, also should be head clear from the concussions he had as well.

  5. conway

    Thanks again sixties for your excellent work….It may have already been explained somewhere but can you tell me if Salmon came from Cronulla with an injury or has the problem only emerged since he joined us ? Is he likely to be available for selection ( in any grade) for round 1 ?Thanking you..

  6. Barney Bear

    Great read as always-thank you
    Is there any reason that neither Leleisiuau or Salmon have been chose in any team for trial against the Knights?

  7. Barney Bear

    Hi Sixties
    On a separate matter, given that we have to increase our first grade squad from the current 28 to 29 by the March 1,is there any news as to whom the extra player will be or will one simply be added from the Wenty squad?

  8. Rocket

    Curious what will be the make up of the bench for Rd 1.
    Four forwards, bench hooker or Will Smith for utility value cover!

  9. Milo

    Thanks again Sixties; it must be a long off season for you and the TCT crew too; and without chairs at Salesyard.
    In all seriousness it will be great to stream the game and see it…..won’t mention the refs of I word

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