The Cumberland Throw

Eels Pre-Season Training – January 9, 2019: Cash Is King

There’s the rare occasion when I should simply record a one word expletive and present that as my training report. Today was a case in point.

I rocked up to Old Saleyards this morning confident that I’d be watching a fair chunk of opposed work. Instead, I witnessed one of the most physically demanding sessions from the past five years.

But please don’t interpret my preference for using profanity as disappointment. Instead, lets stroll down the path of my stupefaction at the physicality of what was on display. I really wasn’t expecting it.

The focus today was conditioning and defence.

The rationale – the unwavering determination that the team want to hit the ground running in Round 1.

To set the scene, today’s warm temperatures, combined with the high humidity, produced arguably the most uncomfortable conditions yet for this pre-season. The ground was still carrying some moisture from the last few days of rain, and this was a strong factor in creating the steamy conditions.

The work was again conducted across the two fields – Field 1 for the conditioning work and Field 2 for the coaching.

Conditioning – Reed “Cash” Mahoney You Freak

The warm-up, stretching, running technique and core strength work with Lachie Wimot kicked off the session. There was probably around 10 – 15 minutes of this before the squad shifted into the hands of Adrian Jimenez.

Adrian has tests that he puts the players through and then levels them. The interval running that they complete demands effort on effort. A close eye is kept on players to check for short cuts (ie – not grounding a foot behind a line) and body language. Players are also expected to self assess themselves and the group.

The conditioning continued between the two periods of defensive drills, as well as at the conclusion of the session.

Today’s currency – Cash Mahoney!

And the harder it got, the better Reed Mahoney performed. In fact, by the time the team was put through its final paces, “Cash” had moved past the King to clear away in the last and most exhausting run of the morning.

Now, the following names might just be a surprise. Obviously Gutho finished second but not far behind were Michael Jennings and Manu Ma’u. And when the big fellas started struggling – the likes of Will Smith and Reed Mahoney moved back onto the field to run alongside them in a sign of support.

We spoke very briefly to Adrian Jimenez after the session and he was extremely pleased with how far the squad has come.

The Defence

The early skills work today was all about the kick chase and the ensuing tackles. The message from BA was clear. The team need to commit to this from the start of any game. No warming into it. No excuses.

Ideally any team wants to kick deep, chase in a good line, and make the opposition work hard to get out of their twenty metre area. Kickers have to get their kicks to land near the corners, without rolling dead.

For the team fielding the kick, the positioning of the winger and centre were scrutinised. Were they offering the level of support needed by the fullback?

Jennings brought the big effort.

As this was being drilled, I found myself being concerned with some dropped ball. Even if this wasn’t the intent of the drill, you don’t want loose carries or poor execution with possession.

I then considered the glass half-full perspective. Solid hits from the chasing team were forcing the errors. And weren’t there some hits to remember! Junior Paulo and Reed Mahoney absolutely smashed Ethan Parry in a big collision and Greg Leleisiuao came off second best when he crash-tackled Tepai.

The sound of the collisions were exclamation marks signalling the intensity.

Later, the squad was broken up into three groups to drill defence decisions and techniques close to the ruck. It reinforced the contact work done in the pit, with a bit more game simulation.

This final defensive drill was conducted under extreme fatigue – right at the end of the session. This was undoubtedly very deliberate. The majority of a rugby league match is played with some level of fatigue, and a team’s ability to defend or make effort on effort is probably just as crucial in the 80th minute as it is in the first.

Additional Observations

I thought that the talk today was a bit down on previous sessions. There were constant reminders that they needed to talk more to the person next them, but I wasn’t convinced that it reached a level that the staff would have been happy with.

One player that couldn’t be accused of being quiet was Clint Gutherson. The Eels co-captain barked at his team mates, talking up and demanding effort areas. His co-captain, Tim Mannah, was also spotted moving to different players for individual words of encouragement.

The consensus of opinion from players and staff afterwards?

Refer to that aforementioned expletive.

Bring on Friday.

(Shout out to the brave crow that took a strong interest in the Eels drone. Not the first time a bird has wanted to take it on.)

Eels forever!

Sixties

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62 thoughts on “Eels Pre-Season Training – January 9, 2019: Cash Is King

  1. parrathruandthru

    Today was the most arduous session I have ever witnessed. Easily. I’m sure someone will need to write the boring “toughest preseason ever” byline but a couple of players commented that it was the hardest session they have ever done. 60’s neglected to say it went for 2hrs when most only go for 90 min – only! Reedy was outstanding and he was one who’s talk was noticeable, especially when he has finished the drill first and could be heard reminding his team mates loudly about positive body language and encouraging some stragglers. Hopefully today raises the bar. Looking forward to the next field session to see if the team can raise the bar again.

  2. paul taylor

    Great read once again. Alex Jimenez is making a real difference . We saw him in the back end of 2018 when they had nothing to play for but appears he is really driving them hard. The dropped ball is a massive issue for this team. They were guilty of it so much in 2018 not building pressure and releasing pressure when it was needed to be applied. Hope they fix it.

    Just wondering if there any new guys arriving ? Some trial for contract players, some players from other clubs looking at making a go at a contract at trial matches. They usually keep them low key.

    Any word on the big Fijian Winger ? cant possibly see him being ready for Round 1 at this rate. Still in rehab ?

    Still feel we are short a player or 3 to be competitive. Hope I am wrong…

    1. sixties Post author

      Thanks Paul.
      Nobody new. Rhys Davies from Wenty is sometimes there for an opposed session, but that’s about it.
      I can’t comment on Maika Sivo being selected for round 1. The goal is for every player to be available come round 1, but whether they feel players who’ve been in rehab will be underdone when the comp starts is another matter.

  3. Gazzamatta

    Great stuff 60s. As always your training summations are required reading for Eels Tragics such as I.
    A question if I may?
    Ive not read a great deal regarding B. French’s efforts. Given his athleticism, and physical stature, one would assume he would excell in the conditioning work. How are his efforts thus far? Does he look larger/stronger? Has he maintained his speed? Are his ball playing and kicking skills being developed?
    Thanks in anticipation.
    Cheers
    Gaz

    1. sixties Post author

      Bev has sat just below the top finishers in the conditioning work. To me, he looks a little bigger across the shoulders. They all work on their ball playing and all of the backs do kicking skills sessions.

      1. Gazzamatta

        Ta 60s. Im a fan of Bevs. If his confidence returns and he gets a good shot at the 1 jumper, I’m hopeful of big things.
        Also nice to hear Mennings is training well. Last year was a disaster from him. We need much more from our highly paid players. Very much make or break for him in season next.

        1. sixties Post author

          I totally agree regarding Jenko. I sometimes wonder how much he keeps in reserve, but I have the impression he may want to prove a point. Bev lost his way a bit last year. In my opinion, he stopped trusting his instincts. He was second guessing and becoming less involved. There’s been nothing wrong with his pre-season efforts thus far.

  4. Offside

    Thanks 60s as always i so feel the team is moving in the right direction not necessarily this year but soon.
    I believe alot of that has to do with young Reed Mahoney i was impressed with him last year and over during his junior career.

    On another note the article on the Eels website about Reed and the other young boys working with Autistic children is a geeat reflection on the culture change happening. I was speaking to a friend of mine who works at that particuliar school he was saying Reed,Stone and Kafusai have all worked there prior to joining the 1st grade squad it would be nice if these stories were shared with the mainstream media.

    1. sixties Post author

      The benefits of the association with Giant Steps are enormous for these young blokes. If you get the chance, anyone should speak to Steve Dresler, Reed, or any of the fellas that have worked there.

  5. Milo

    Very good article to read Sixties and Parrathruanthru. It seems as others have mentioned that Jiminez is raising the bar plus some which is needed. It also allows the new younger players to see the new culture coming into the club and we only hope the players overall improve those 1/2% ers from 2018; as those effort areas and discipline is one that needs to change ahead of the season.
    As I’ve mentioned many times previously the forwards have to aim up each match – its as simple as that; and i know the halves need to lead the team around, but the forwards must lay solid platforms each match.

    1. sixties Post author

      The young players are helping to drive a new culture.
      Nonetheless, as you say, and as Gutho reminded them today, effort areas are essential.

  6. rowdy roddy

    Great report big fella.
    The continued focus on fitness and defense is very encouraging as is the stated support for same by the players. Sometimes the worst possible outcome (wooden spoon) is a greater motivator than an equal fail at 12th -15th because of the stigma attached to it. You can’t play first grade (NRL) without a bucket load of pride and confidence.
    At the end of the day, at the end of the day, it is what one thinks of himself that matters.

  7. Jonboy

    My thirst for these training reports never wanes. My hunger for success for our team is insatiable. My fears of exaggerated enthusiasm are haunting me as I find it difficult not to let my emotions run away from me.

    Last years training reports filled us with so much confidence in conjunction with the 2017 finish. I am praying that the hard lessons, pain and embarrassment of 2018 generate sufficient endurance and motivation for a more successful year. Heaven knows it can’t get much worse!

    Keep fighting the good fight Sixties!

    1. colin hussey

      Jonboy, I share your thoughts in this regard especially with the hard training, and the memories of similar posts last year, with the resulting expectations that failed.

      In saying that I am fairly optimistic for the coming season, although its a bit cautious optimism. At the same time the way the players are training there is a difference with them compared to how they went last year with the ex AFL trainer, that certainly looked that it did not work. The arrival of Jiminez mid year showed a difference on the field except in the area of points though.

      Way I am reading these reports is that the primary aim in the training is to replicate as close as possible actual match conditions, and all the players appear to be lifting themselves and their team mates in that regard, the term New Culture is great to hear and read about for me and with such a round up of young players pushing themselves and getting on the bandwagon to show the NRL players that they are aiming at being as good if not better then they are.

      I like the way things are going, and look forward to all these reports thanks to 60’s and those others who go to the training and add their own extra’s to the reports.

      Thanks to all.

      1. sixties Post author

        Colin, I can only report what I’m witnessing as well as the attitude of the players involved. The optimism last season was based on the Top 4 finish, more than the training efforts. By the way, Lachlan Wilmot is still Head of Athletic performance. The team do sessions with him to develop core strengths, prehabilitation, and running technique. He leads the start of every session. Adrian has been added given his pedigree in working with the Storm and his history of working with elite rugby league players. He’s very passionate about training winners.

        1. colin hussey

          Thanks for the clarification on the trainer sixties.

          Overall I thoroughly enjoy all these reports just would love to be able to get down to some or even one of them. Without doubt what you are witnessing as well as the others keeps me wanting more and for game days to come.

      2. rowdy roddy

        There’s more than a bit of truth in your opinions regarding “new culture” training this preseason and last, Colin.
        I’m a dyed in the wool BA fan but, those decisions to attack preseason preparation the way we did last year was clearly a punt on a roughy to say the least. The decision to go in a different direction this year started to become obvious when Adrian Jiminez arrived mid season. Good work BA!

    2. sixties Post author

      Cheers Jonboy.
      On reflection, the difference might not just be on the work being done by the team, but the attitude surrounding it. Might be a difference to be coming off a bottom finish with a point to prove as opposed to going into a season as a Top 4 favourite.

  8. Rob

    This may sound like hyperbole but I think and feel an excitement to read these training reports that falls just short of watching an actual game and reading a match report.

    You’re that good, Sixties, thank you.

    1. sixties Post author

      Thanks mate. I answered a comment on Twitter yesterday by saying that some sessions write themselves because of what we witness. Refer to Parrathruandthru’s comment above. Ham was also in attendance yesterday, and he would no doubt add his opinion as to how demanding the session was.

  9. Anthony

    I was interested and pleased to read about the emphasis on the kick chase, and getting that ball in the corner. Hopefully it’s a sign that the kicking game this year will be much improved and return to what built our success in 2017. We lost a lot of field position last season through poor kick options.

      1. rowdy roddy

        Funny you say that Sixties?
        I liken the midfield bomb, when used more than once in a game as “The option taken by a fella under pressure who doesn’t really have a plan”!

  10. Shelley

    Really good to hear the name Michael Jennings being spoken about in a positive way. Watching him play and being so out of confidence especially towards the end was upsetting. I can’t help but think better fitness levels may go a long way towards helping him have a better 2019. With young players around him he will be very important, especially in defense.

      1. Big Derek

        Having been fortunate enough to attend a few training sessions, the enthusiasm and intensity appears a level above last year. That’s in no small difference to the competitiveness of the younger players who expect success and will give extras after coming through winning junior sides.

        Mentioning Jennings highlights one bigger issue, the lack of centres in the squad. Would imagine Salmon could well fill the vacant spot next to Jenko, but is quite bare after him unless we move a winger into the centres. Gutho is the best fullback in the roster by a long way, interesting times for the centre position.

        1. sixties Post author

          I think that Hoffman is next in line for a centre position. I suppose the question then becomes whether Taka is being considered as a centre or a forward.

          1. colin hussey

            Hoff would be worth trying in the centres, but if fails put Taka back there. When he played in the centres outside Norms Semi was getting the ball more than when combined with MJ

          2. Bob jay

            Hoff, taka both on last legs ,we need to be securring future ,on that will smith tons of speed and as tough and commited as they come , heaps better option imo .

          3. Gaz

            Nuikore was brought from Warriors as a centre and was great there in 20s any indication that he could be slotted in there?

  11. BDon

    Our red zone defence(against block plays, numbering up etc), kicking game, and rucking the ball out decent metres were all open to huge improvement. Sixties, looks like all being addressed?
    Tim Mannah copped a bit, but unless I was watching in a daze, I reckon he was the only forward to consistently make headway off our own line. Paulo, plus more kgs on others,and bigger back 3, will assist greatly.

    1. sixties Post author

      Tim Mannah was the straightest running forward. He’s criticised, but he’s expected to hit it up hard and straight, land on his knees and get a quick play the ball. He has always done this consistently.
      BDon, with all of the work being done, I’d be disappointed if the defence doesn’t improve.

  12. Glenn

    Great report as always 60s. Any indication who will be our starting halves come round 1? My guess would be Salmon and Moses with Gutho as centre and French fb. The two biggest worries for me is our fullback and centre positions where we appear very skinny if injuries or poor form hits. Any chance Parry, who has a background at fb and centre, could be in top 29 come round 1?

    1. sixties Post author

      I see Brown in the halves and Salmon pushing for a centre spot.
      As for Parry, I think he’ll sit just outside the top 30, and if there’s any movement of players under contract, he wouldn’t be far off a spot.

      1. Anonymous

        I think everyone is forgetting Salmon will probably be out suspended for the first few rounds. So I’ve got Brown 100% in the halves and we’ll have to come up with a Centre solution.

        I haven’t heard anyone mention Will Smith at Centre. I remember a report from 60’s back in December where he mentioned that Smith was destroying them in a trainjng session at Centre.

        1. colin hussey

          Anon, my concern with Smith especially if being considered in the centres is his size. A lot are saying French is too small, yet Smith is all but a struck match with him, 84kg vses 83 with French the lighter, then height smith at 178cm compared to French at 181.

          1. Bob jay

            Dosent matter how big the dog is its how hard he bites , smiths a pit bull french is a pussy .weight ,height, pffff, some of the smallest are the biggest ive seen play the game .its all about competing col,

          2. Poppa

            I think some of you guys need to understand that players are not machines. I don’t think French lacked any ticker last year. Confidence, was another matter, his speed and swerve seems to have been effected since he had his posterior ligament removed in 2017. I would imagine he may start at fullback with Guth in the centres, Fergs is one wing and I was hoping for Sivo to emerge because he more than any would have benefited from this type of preseason.

            Back to French if the forwards deliver a decent platform this year and I think they will…..we need a fit and something like an “old” Bevan Back. He is just the player we need if space is created, so be careful what you wish for…..we need him.

          3. colin hussey

            Totally agree Pops and have been saying the same thing for some time. Last season he had no confidence and was definitely favouring his injury and not wanting to get the surgery to be undone.

            One only needs to take a serious look at his form prior to the injury and see what he is capable of, as you say & I have also, all the forwards have to lay the platform for the backs, and the backs all have to be ready and able to back up the forwards and their play.

            Bev could very well be the player that makes the difference just as he has done on quite a few occasions in the past.

          4. DDay

            Know your keen on French at fullback Pops but the leap of faith in your argument is that a fit and the ‘old’ French is back. There’s certainly been time for a full recovery from his knee injury and potentially a better forward pack to lay the platform but is it enough for him to rediscovered the magic? The trials will tell.

          5. sixties Post author

            I’ll comment on all of the above here. Yes, there was a session where Smith was outstanding out in the centres. He has a busted arm at the moment, so hasn’t been in this latest opposed work.
            I won’t comment on Salmons penalty till it happens.
            I think the time for shuffling Gutho around is over. He’s a fullback and captain. He needs the opportunity to consolidate a position, not be Mr Fixit.
            He’ll start there’in my opinion.

      1. Poppa

        Sixties,is it possible to get a bit of a round up on the Utoikamanu brothers, I have heard a fair bit on Stephano but I know bugger all about Filia, age background and rep football.
        Finally do you think Stephano will make the last 30.

        1. sixties Post author

          Filia is not quite as big as Stefano, but he has been rated just as highly. Local junior. He picked up a neck injury in the 2017 18s Origin match and hopefully will get the opportunity to return to football this year.
          One of Filia’s best attributes has been his leadership coming through the junior ranks.
          I reckon Stefano would be well in the mix for spot 30, but I’m not sure they’ll rush into that just yet. Time will tell.

    1. sixties Post author

      Working in the gym. I did see him wander out onto the field whilst the team went through their paces on Wednesday. It’s best for the club to provide details on his progress or estimated date of return.

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