Expectations.
We all have expectations about how the Eels will fare every season, and this year will be no different.
Last year our expectations of success were dashed faster than an NRL player’s “home movie” goes viral. We can look back and think that we were being unrealistic. Or maybe, the players got ahead of themselves with their own expectations. That’s now the past.
Looking ahead, my expectation is simple. The Eels will dig deep. I base that entirely on this pre-season.
Today, the physicality was typical of the journey over the past two and a half months.
Here’s how it went down.
The Prelude
In an opposed drill, the team worked on their combinations on one side of the ruck. Conversely, this meant that the opposed group were also working on their defensive decisions. The work was sharp, with praise coming for both attack and defence.
Kyle Schneider
The squad was then split into their Red and Blue teams for prolonged attack/defence within the quarter. Both Taka and Evans were able to participate in full contact and each received time in both teams. Pritchard and Schneider alternated between half and dummy half for the Reds, giving each player time at hooker.
With the glut of possession, there was no shortage of questions asked by the team in attack. Whether it be from a penalty, a drop out or a scrum, repeated sets were thrown against the defence in a gruelling test of the players resolve.
The Main Event
There were no NRL referees in attendance, but there was s significant portion of the session dedicated to footy.
Were certain team selections clearer from today?
The answer to that is a definitive no.
Arthur and his coaching team were providing ample opportunities for players to push their claims for an NRL spot. Gutho and French swapped positions. Evans and Taka were both afforded time with the Blue team. Kaysa and Mahoney alternated in the top dummy half role.
Cash Mahoney
During his time in the Blue team, Evans crashed over for a try between the posts. In reply, Salesi Fainga’a chased and reeled in an awkwardly bouncing high kick and then avoided the scrambling defence to score out wide for the Reds.
The defence was definitely the feature of this session, with only those in orange spared from the collisions. A special mention must be given to Reed Mahoney who continues to impress with his tackling. In one memorable shot, he delivered an into the ribs special on Ethan Parry. In doing so, he actually robbed Junior of the opportunity to register his daily hit on the young winger.
The Finale
With a strong session apparently completed, the team were surprisingly (not really) handed over to Adrian Jimenez for additional conditioning.
The attitude and delivery from the players in moments like these has been the facilitator of my aforementioned expectations for this year.
Firstly the players completed an extended period of interval runs up and down the field. They were then split into forwards and backs to finish off the morning with four laps of the field, timed for good measure.
And the gold medalists?
Tim Mannah
There’s a reason that people hold captaincy roles. Clint Gutherson and Tim Mannah led their respective groups from start to finish. Their example is nothing short of outstanding.
And behind them?
In the backs, the top 5 placings were filled by Parry, Dunster, Mahoney and Brown. In the forwards, big Stefano Utoikamanu headed the chasers, followed by Fainga’a, Moeroa and Niukore. Not far behind those players was Manu Ma’u.
Then in their fatigued condition, they were split into the two teams to work unopposed through their shapes. To borrow from Parrathruandthru’s observation, the closest parallel is to say it was like watching two Captains runs.
Every day is filled with physical challenges. It tests the body and the mind.
The players continue to dig deep.
Bring on Wednesday.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Junior wouldn’t be happy that he didn’t get to smash Parry today. If I was Ethan I’d be looking out next session as Junior will be looking to make up for today
As Reed lifted Parry, Junior was beside him and you could see his mind ticking over about joining the tackle.
Great insight into the boys preseason prep Sixties. I’m really getting excited about what these youngsters are producing at the end of a session. It clearly shows they are putting considerable pressure on the established NRL players to be producing these consistent top 3 or 4 finishes in timed runs after a full contact session. Thanks for the report mate.
Hey Rowdy, even for any of the boys who don’t debut this year, they are already getting this invaluable experience in their NRL journey and setting standards for future additions to the squad in coming years.
Sixties, I am hearing something again this year in your reviews which I heard last year, and it concerns me again, I think we are making the same mistake, quote “Were certain team selections clearer from today? The answer to that is a definitive no.”
Cmon Brad, tell the players whom are 1 – 17 and everyone else has to gun for them. Providing false hope to players whom will not make it and not instilling confidence in the best will lead us no where again.
Everyone should know where they sit in the pyramid at this time of the season. That is when competition really starts.
Nobody wants a repeat of 2018. I hope I am wrong and Brad has told the players their place. Nothing wrong with keeping things under wraps. I guess I have not heard players stating they were all a chance like I did last year and perhaps this is the case.
Go you good thing.
Confidence can build, over confidence will wreck. Last season the later occurred as a result of the previous year where they probably thought they only had to show up and a top 8 spot or higher was fate accompli.
What I am reading in these excellent training reports is that everyone who is able to play NRL has a chance to be in the top 17 come game days, many will miss out, not because of what they lacked but because those chosen were a bit better. The other aspect missing from last year and not counting some very key injuries to players and forced retirements, was the basic lack of young and enthusiastic players wanting to show their wares.
Last pre season there was nowhere near the young talent on show compared to this season. Youth and their enthusiasm will be tonic to the older players and lift them as well.
I doubt the coach or others are keeping things under wraps unless they are things that need to be kept there.
I agree with 10 year here.
The fact we are within weeks of kick off, trials beforehand, I find it amazing that coaching staff and ultimately fans don’t even know what players will make up our spine and we will suffer because of it imo. Maybe coaches know, but I’m not so sure. I’ve mentioned this a couple of times on here, but until we have a solid spine made up of specialists in their positions, we are playing with ourselves.
How do you believe that the likely spine of Gutho, Mahoney, Brown and Moses aren’t specialists? That is their positions. There may be some youth there, but they aren’t playing out of position.
The squad will know whos where in the pecking order why setyle on a team today and not be prepared should a player go down in the trials and suddenly you have to change your combos with players thst haven’t played together before. Th asts why you have to mix it up abit
Way I see it, all the players have very much an idea where they stand regarding selections for this coming season, more importantly for those off contract and those starting out would know what is expected of them, in both training, attitude and commitment to club, coach, teammates, supporters as well as themselves for the season ahead.
As for the fans or those outside those in charge and players etc, are concerned I do not see why the have any real rights to know who will take what position in the team, especially at this early stage of the new season. If the coach was to announce a team now, or even players who will be selected in what positions an injury or some other player making a better fist of the positions will be more confusing than not knowing.
Its the coaches prerogative to make team and player announcements when he’s good and ready, and he will come trials and the season proper.
Well put Col.
Spot on
A team picks itself by the players committment at training and his ability in a role ,its that simple , not a lot of choices 2018 .
The players do know how they are performing. They have certain goals and are well aware of how they sit. As for team selections, I could name a team based on my observations, and the way most of the opposed sessions have panned out. However, there are a couple of positions that remain in contention, maybe I should have said particular team selections rather than certain”, and if there weren’t, wouldn’t that be a sad indictment on the squad. So you give players opportunities to push their case. You also have players develop a combination if they are required due to injury. Why would this be a problem? Why would you not want competition for places? Once a player wins a spot, you want the player to be constantly giving their best because holding it isn’t guaranteed.
No mention of Alvaro?
Daniel trained. There’s plenty that I haven’t mentioned. Can’t report on all 36 players so I pick certain players to watch or report on stand out moments.
Usually you put him and Mannah on the same footing with the fitness work and work ethic, that’s why I was wondering.
Danny is working just as professionally as always. He finished just behind the leaders in the timed run. Please note he’s carrying about 10kg more this year.
Thank you
10kg? Bigger Danny? Is that a good thing. His not that tall. Cant see that workibg out? Thoughts?
Polar isn’t short sportsman. He looks good.
R they training at the sales yard if so what would love 2 watch a session cheers
Yes they are. If you pop down say gday.
Hi Sixties, what are the day and time that they normally do field workouts. Love to swing by and watch them as well.
Hi Lito. You can see that I post reports from Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They aren’t open sessions so the club don’t advertise training times. We often find out a time for the next session at the session before but we don’t put up times because we don’t represent the club and times can be changed at the last minute. We’ve had times when we’ve rolled up and the session has nearly finished. Other times, it’s been moved back.
If you email TCT or message me on Twitter a day or two before you want to attend, I might be able to help with a time.
Not sure I agree with the talk of providing certainty to individuals yet. There’s still a month or so before game 1. However players and coaches and anyone able to witness a training session become very aware of their position in the pecking order simply through the manner in which the players are “selected” during a training session.
Finally, I would think that a large percentage of the team already knows where they stand and making public announcements now doesn’t serve any benefit to anyone except the opposition for round 1!
A wise and logical reply Jonboy.
Jonboy,…you last paragraph says it all, especially the last part.
Like 10 Yr Member, I think a lot about our spine( and I know it’s on your list sixties). From what I read, it looks to be taking shape without a knighthood ceremony… Mahoney, Moses, Brown, Gutherson. A thing I like about that, is 3 of them are always top/near top in effort and commitment to performance and the other has obvious skills which just need to be harnessed. Game day pressure has its knack of finding weaknesses but there’s a foundation of a strong mentality in that group.
Great reply BDon!
What’s the story with Leleiseiuao sixties? This bloke has so much game breaking ability yet does not seem to really be in the mix. What are you seeing and hearing about him mate?
GL has been in and out of rehab throughout his time in the full time squad. He barely got any game time in 2018 for that reason. Hasn’t strung any peak fitness time together. He’s a top bloke and a talent but I couldn’t put him in the mix until he can change that time on the field.
Who is this guy that puts the boys thru a physical challenge?
Where is he from?
Has he have an AFL background?
He sounds tough and ruthless!
Are you referring to Adrian Jimenez? Extensive background as Melbourne Storm trainer.
How Stefanos brother Filia going? Not noticed in any training photos of late. Heard big wraps on the kid.
Also any updates on GL. Is he a first grade chance. It sounded like Dunster and Parry had jumped him in pecking order but outside top 30 so GL would be in first prior.
You are correct. Filia is a talent, but I can’t comment on his situation. As for GL, see above.
Sixties, your website does not provide an avenue to submit items offline as discussion points, so I will post this question here which perhaps you could provide your insightful analysis on.
I recall the Sharks talking about having Origin/Rep players to achieve premiership success, prior to them achieving it, and their team was loaded with stars and fringe stars.
Whom is Parra going to have in rep teams this year to allow us to believe we are in with a chance?
Was 2017 just a lucky run, ala, 2009? whom in 2017 did we have in rep teams.
Whom are we going to have in rep teams in 2019?
As a min, I think we need:
– Blake to return to NSW and Aussie
– Manu to get back in Kiwi
– Brown to be the lock for NSW
– Junior to be the SUPER STAR we know he is, I for one believe in him 100%, but does he…..if he does, he can only do so much, he needs a supporting cast
If they play to their 100% potential, is that enough? or do we need more?
whom else do we have hardened to really compete as SUPER stars.
I do not want to treat our players as cattle, but history shows you need really good players, rep players, to win comps.
Remember the golden days, we had at least 8 rep players, I recall seeing the whole parra backline in teh Aussie team.
Of course I am a unicorn, but I need to get the team to be where they need to be for success. I have had enough.
I would like to add:
– GuthoNSW fullback
– Bevan on the other NSW wing to Fergo. This is hoping Bevo does what is best for the team which in turn will be the best for him. He needs to be somewhere. Cmon Bevo, do it for the team, put your body on the line out there on the wing.
Whom should be used to refer to the object of a verb or preposition. When in doubt, try this simple trick: If you can replace the word with “he”’ or “’she,” use who. If you can replace it with “him” or “her,” use whom. Who should be used to refer to the subject of a sentence.
The old teacher in Trouser comes to the fore!
10 year, we don’t have that external posting of topics because we aren’t a forum. We’ve had this issue of becoming a forum put to us many times, but there are enough forums and being set up as we are is our point of difference.
That said, this is an interesting topic. If you don’t mind, I’ll look to giving it a bit more attention via a dedicated post in the next few days. Thanks for the detailed thoughts mate.
Sixties, it would be great to get your thoughts (and the collective TCT team) on that subject via a dedicated post.
In fact, that is what I was really requesting, I was not looking for a forum, agreed, this site does not need that. I was trying to convey having a private suggestion box us dedicated readers could send through topics for TCT team consideration to provide indepth analysis and possible dedicated posts.
Sixties
Great information again and good to see the competition for spots being strong.
I for one like others am not worried abtt who’s where in team lists; coaches will know and players a have a fair idea imo.
Do we assume first trial is for fringe players and second trial main squad preparation?
Our experience has been that the trial at Rngrose has been used for ISP, with a couple of the NRL squad needing a run included.