In a recent interview, Tepai made reference to how many “Malcolms” the squad have been completing at training.
“Malcolms”?
These strangely named conditioning drills have the players running different intervals, hitting the ground frequently during the run. Imagine a middle distance runner hitting the ground every ten or twenty metres and you get a sense of what the players are asked to do.
There was no shortage of Malcolms towards the end of today’s session. After asking a couple of the players after training about the name “Malcolm” – and my thought is that if Jimenez has named it after someone, that person was obviously a bastard – a “generous” offer was made by Dylan Brown to our group of spectators.
“Would you like to join in?”
“Thanks. But no thanks. Not unless you’ve got an ambulance on standby.”
The opposed work under the control of NRL referees including Gavin Badger was undoubtedly the feature of today, but I suspect that some of the greatest benefit was the way the squad was forced to dig deep in their conditioning. For me, they’ll draw great confidence from this pre-season.
The opposed session was far from perfect. There were some scrappy moments, especially from the Red team, though on occasion this was the result of defensive pressure. Nonetheless, there were definitely some coachable moments to arise from the hit out.
Opposed Highlights
Maika Sivo
* An impressive high take of a kick by Sivo to score for the Reds
* Sivo’s spectacular fingertips catch of a line dropout – he’s still not doing full contact but we saw more of his skill base today
* Marata’s incredible chase to round up a flying Will Smith after the fleet footed back had taken an intercept and looked certain to score – this type of effort in a training run, in the heat, says plenty about a player’s desire to compete
Oregon Kaufusi
* Kaufusi hammering the line with powerful charges
* Kane Evans busting into the clear after hitting a gap next to the ruck
* Tepai Moeroa being very vocal, urging his team mates on
* David “Jason Smith” Gower again directing the young Reds
* Kyle Schneider sharp and very composed at dummy half for the Reds
* The Blue forwards delivering plenty of defensive muscle
Other Observations
Munz
Some of the opposed session was played as two hand touch. This brought speed to the ruck and caused the defence to back peddle, giving the attack an opportunity to show if they could take advantage of an unsettled defence.
After the “Malcoms” were thrown in at the latter stages of the session, the players were still expected to complete a very physical defensive drill.
Apart from the usual suspects, two players to catch the eye during the conditioning were Manu Ma’u and Michael Jennings. They are looking very fit.
Fergo
Jaeman Salmon, Nathan Brown, Blake Ferguson and Brad Takairangi were all running in rehab today. I can’t comment on how long that will be for, but they all looked to be running freely.
Fergo
However, watching Ferguson in action was an eye-opener for me and I’d like to share it with fellow supporters. Not only was he busting a gut in his work (and I reckon he was revelling in how demanding it was), but he was also yelling encouragement to the players on the field during his breaks.
Furthermore, he spent time mentoring Salmon as they watched and discussed the backline play, then worked on some ball skills themselves.
This type of leadership and mentoring from a premiership winning player will be invaluable to the young backs coming through the Eels system.
Quick Reminder – Junior Reps
For those interested, the Junior Reps will be trialling against Penrith at St Pats High School, Blacktown on Thursday and Friday evening.
The Tarsha Gale, 15s Development and Laurie Daley Cup teams will be playing from 4:30pm on Thursday.
The Harold Matts, Andrew Johns and SG Ball will take the fields from 6:30pm on Friday.
After many of the players were rested from last week’s trials, you’re likely to see a bit more team work with some established combinations on show. These clashes with Penrith are always highly contested, even trials. It’s well worth getting to, especially if you’re a local.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Thanks for the write up again mate.
For me the most to pleasing points abt your report were that Mau and Jenko looking fit and the comments abt Fergo.
I won’t make it for the trials as being too far but they will be a strong hit out as Penrith being the neighbours and super strong. Should be a good indicator of how both teams go.
Can you outline how the Johns Cup works. Is this the wkend comp for 15/16 yrs who haven’t made Matt’s / Ball?
Good to read while o/seas mate. Cheers
My understanding is that our entry into the competition was to provide a greater exposure to rep footy for more players in our pathways.
I believe that it’s now a 12 team competition.
I don’t think a 2019 draw has been released as yet.
Here’s the Eels announcement from last year.
https://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2018/08/30/eels-enter-andrew-johns-and-laurie-daley-cups-in-2019/
http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=0-4973-0-0-0
Ok thanks mate and that makes sense
I’ve a draw somewhere from a mate. Will post to you when I’m back
Parrathruandthru has the link above.
Hey Sixties do you know what the news on Salmon is? I heard talk he received a 2 week suspension over his driving charge but have not been able to find any confirmation on the subject anywhere
No Anthony, I’ve only heard the court ruling, nothing more.
Do we invite the referees or are they allocated by their masters to all clubs? I can now see why they’re calling players by first name during games.
How have Lane and Kaufusi looked in agility, awareness and urgency, they look to have that Brett Kenny trait of seeming calm, measured and unhurried. It’s just that we know in hindsight that Kenny channeled these traits into something pretty special. Kaufusi looks top 17 material but a queue is forming.
Referees are invited, but are available for every club.
I believe that Lane will impress Eels supporters. He has very good game sense and is still agile despite looking bigger. Kaufusi is a genuine player of the future. He’s what you want in a middle forward. Powerful with a good motor. Smart too.
Where is Lane training at positionally? Any clarity on how BA wants to use him? Such a rangy body would be nice on an edge… but also has huge potential as an X factor off the bench
Lane will play as an edge backrower. I expect Junior and Polar to be starting props.
All well and good to train hard, hell anyone can but can they do it on game day? Let’s see.
Yes, exactly. You have to bring it on game day. These reports are covering how they are preparing. Detailing what’s involved and what certain players are looking like. And by the way, I don’t think just anybody could train like NRL players train. Maybe everyone has the potential, but not everyone could handle this level of physical and mental demand.
Another great read thanks Sixties.
Touching on you’re comment above, Everyone has the potential but not everyone can handle this level. Brings me to my question.
I have been reading previously Schneider needs to bulk up his frame. So how is he handling the physical aspects of training and how is he going.
How is Ray Stone going.? Has he been doing much dummy half work or predominately playing as a middle.
Lastly how is Salesi going, Do you see him as a middle or an edge player.? Do you think he is a possibility this year to play NRL
Good questions Billy. Kyle Schneider is an impressive player. He’s probably put on a few kgs since the end of the season. He’s handled the physicality of training with and against bigger bodies and we’ll probably get to see him in action in the trials.
Stone was going great guns then picked up a minor injury just before Christmas. He’s back in full contact now and playing middle in a Brown type roll. He was switching between dummy half and middle just before his injury.
Salesi could be anything. I see him as an edge player because he is very mobile for a big man, can hit an edge but also has a great offload.
NRL? He will play NRL and will qualify after June 30. Captain obvious reply here but chances will be determined by his own form and that of the experienced players. I think time at ISP level early in the season will be valuable.
Hell anyone can ,you ??
Seeing I played Jersey Flegg a few years back, I’m guessing I could champ…Hell its only a guess!!
Much respect to you Terry for playing Jersey Flegg. You reached a level of footy that only a small percentage of players reach, and the average supporter wouldn’t understand aspects of footy that you do. Which club did you play for? I assume that it was some time ago.
However, with respect, you cannot compare Flegg training to NRL training. I’ve seen many players fail at training when brought in for their first preseason. They had the talent but not the mindset to dedicate themselves to the level of training required. Talk to this current batch of Flegg graduates in their first pre-season. They are excelling on the training paddock, but ask them to compare their level of training. I cannot agree that anybody can do it and I’m not saying that you as an individual wouldn’t have been able to. I’m acknowledging that it’s a tough ask of mind and body that few can accomplish.
Nice positive write up Sixties. Just a quick one . Is Fergo one of the bigger boys ie a bit of a beast?
I wouldn’t use the word beast because he’s got a few blokes in the 115kg+ range down there. He’s a great build for an outside back, tall and strong.
Good to hear , thx.
Geez, you’ve got to be excited at the prospect that is SIVO. I really hope he reaches full potential at NRL level.
Sixties, thanks again for this report. How is Moses going? Have you noticed more talking than last pre season and organising the troops? He has a lot more responsibility this season, I believe that he’ll handle it.
Sorry mate, it’s Grunta.
Moses is the one we need to take responsibility of this team! Is he looking in charge of things sixties. A lot rides on this young man.If the pigs aim up this year he really has to CATTLEDOG the time for niceties are over! Keep positive sixties the reports boost all of us
Seth and Grunta, thanks for your replies. My answer on Moses is simple. He has shown that his best football is elite level stuff. But he can also play far below that. So no matter what he does on the training paddock, we need a consistent performance with minimal difference between his best and his worst come match days. He’s definitely a big talker at training, and will have a big responsibility with Norman gone.
Been enjoying all of your reports with out feeling the need to comment lately but wanted to chirp in and say thx for making cricket season bearable. Footy season is nearly here.
Cheers Matt. Watching the team train eases the footy withdrawal symptoms.
I’m loving these reports mate! Just one question is there any word of Parra bringing a halves coach on to help Brown out. I know we used Brett Kimmorley one pre season and other clubs use them to great success.
Nothing on the horizon that I’m aware of at the moment.
Great write up once again Sixties and a solid depiction of today’s events. The elapsed time between training and posting suggests to me that either your on a promise tonight or you were soooo excited by today’s session you simply couldn’t wait to write it up.
Hearing Fergo spew his guts up at the conclusion of ceremonies today and then shout out with satisfaction after imparting/sharing his knowledge and experience with “Fish” and to a lesser extent Browny was without a doubt the highlight of what I witnessed today.
If Fergo brings just half of this effort, drive and ferocity of competitiveness to game day I reckon we eels supporters are in for a real treat in 2019. It will most certainly be infectious, especially among the young guys in the squad who, with a sail full of wind could well deliver a few giant killing moments for us.
Thanks for your perspective on today’s activities Jonboy, Sixties can’t observe and record every-one of the boys efforts alone. I know he appreciates the extra eyes and ears that yourself and others bring as do we fans who can’t get as often as we would like to.
Cheers Jonboy and Rowdy. Yes Jonboy, I was straight into a write up. Rowdy, I always appreciate the additional comments from others in attendance which add to the reports or reinforce what I witnessed, especially as some might perceive the reports as rose coloured interpretations from a single supporter.
Ha! There was no missing Fergo spewing from the effort and the yell of elation afterwards, Rowdy. .
I’m an bit late joining in the discussion, but again I like what I am reading, thanks sixties, its interesting to me to see 3 more out in training although not into the heavy stuff, Sivo looks and could well be the answer to the open wing spot, early days though but seems to have vg hands for the ball. If he ends up with the potential even near Semi, it should really make our backs a big worry for the opposition, and could be infectious to the forwards as they take the brunt and lead in the team. I am very impressed with the way that Fergo has fitted in as well, seems a natural leader and inspiration for the younger brigade.
Talk of the forwards though really encourages me, especially with what you Marata chasing down Will Smith, who is not bad with his running is very impressive for me, I also like the continued talk re Lane and how he has fitted in, I took a fair bit of notice of him in the Manly games he played in after the announcement he was Joining the eels, he had a good work rate, was eager in defence and to move in position for both Attack and defense. Kafusi, is also going to be a big hit for the forwards as well, once he gets his chance in the top side he’s going to be hard to shift I think.
Also nice to read the Evans is training well.
A point on the refs. I have a lot of regard for Gavin Badger, as I believe he is very underated and for me I would like to see him control a few more of our games. as he is also pretty fair as well.
Good stuff Mate.
Thanks Colin. I haven’t made too many comments on Sivo up to now as I want to see him involved in full contact. My suspicion is that George Jennings might get the early jump by reason of fitness, but Sivo should be fit to play in the trials and could make a late bid.
People are worried about our forwards, and in the ideal world you wouldn’t knock back a rep experienced prop. But I’ve got faith that with extra size and a bit more mongrel, our forwards will go well.
I haven’t replied to any reports since somewhere around the middle of last year, (spent a bit of the last two seasons recuperating) but I have still been following everyone’s reports fervently.
I mentioned back in 2017 about attitude being the driver of success for certain players and their teams, especially the 2017 Eels 20’s side and the 2016 and 2017 Eels nrl sides. Those teams had certain players that refused to give up and who led from the front.
I can only comment on the 2017 20’s side as I never saw any 2018 20’s games.
For the 20’s side two of the smallest forwards in the comp, Reed Mahoney and Ray Stone, were tremendous. They hunted together, had great stamina, tackling technique, and a refusal to throw in the towel (I compared them to Ray Price). I was concerned about their size but Stone started to bulk up quickly, although he is still small by NRL standards. Mahoney has also increased in size and for his role as a dummy half his size is okay. Mahoney has good passing skills and running game to back up his nonstop defensive game and Stone can pull out the big hits to complement his low tackles (he also had a good running game in 2017). Reading your reports Sixties would it be right to assume Mahoney is in the box seat at the moment for the top spot as hooker? I hope Brad can find a role somewhere for Stone as he, like his partner in crime Mahoney, is such a gutsy player who never gives up. These two players really deserve to have successful careers if only because of their great attitudes.
A couple of other players from that 2017 side also looked impressive and they were:
• Tui Afuola – a hard running, hard hitting centre who also had a good attitude in that he competed right to the end of the game even if the Eels were well in front.
• Salesi Faingaa – big, fast and skilful. He could turn out to be a very good player when he hardens his body up. The Pre-season training and this season playing against men should set him up for next year.
• Jesse Cronin (although I don’t recall him in the 20’s side) was another young player who stood out for his perfect defense and quite a good running game (he reminds me of a young Jake Trbojevic in size and tackling technique). He was very good in the NSW schools final and and for Australia.
• Oregon Kaufusi – played well for a young prop up against bigger, and I think, older players. Had the distinction of having missed a try in two 2017 state finals. He was held up in-goal in the NSW schools final and had a no try ruling against Manly (placed the ball on the defender’s foot) in the 20’s final. If I recall, his teams would have won both games if he had scored those tries. He probably laughs about it now.
• There was another prop for the 20’s that signed with Manly for this season. I forget his name at the moment but gee he was a good player, mainly because he had the same relentless attitude as Mahoney and Stone. He was a very good head on low tackler like Mahoney, Stone and Cronin and was also a hard runner of the ball.
• Dylan Brown – I know he is a good runner of the ball but it is his defense that really impresses me. He reads the game so well when defending and couples that with a very good technique. Very good low tackler but also reads the opposition attack very well as it is unfolding i.e. he is very effective at preventing offloads by wrapping up the ball. He is also good at identifying where the danger is on the 5th tackle by plugging any hole at the back, and he does this late so the kicker has less time to adjust (this is from observing him in 2017 so I am not sure if he still plays that way).
I only saw the early games of the 2018 NRL side so I can only comment on who I thought went well or not so well.
In those early games Tepai Moeroa, closely followed by Tim Mannah, Daniel Alvaro and Kaysa Pritchard were my standouts mainly because of their work rate and line speed in defense.
• Moeroa was everywhere quite often doing repeat tackles but he also added a lot of sting to those tackles….he never gave up at any time.
• Mannah and Alvaro were very good with their head on low tackling with Mannah also charging full bore into the defensive line every time he had the ball.
•Pritchard played well above his weight and was really improving with the extra game time he received. Sadly he suffered another injury. He displays the same top attitude as the others mentioned above from the NRL and U20’s sides so I personally hope he has a good run this year injury wise.
I was a bit disappointed in a couple of players
in those early rounds, but these are just my subjective opinions.
• Nathan Brown – wasn’t playing with his normal high energy level in attack or defense until late in games when it opened up a bit. He was doing a lot of backing into the defense, his tackling was usually as 3rd or 2nd player in, and s lot of grabbing and holding (low effort used).
• Michael Jennings – his play reminded me a lot of Wallaby James O’Connor (of Team O’Connor fame) i.e. they both shared an inability to keep the ball in play. Both players would take the tackle rather than pass to a support, resulting in many wasted opportunities. Jennings didn’t get to play at the highest level without being smart enough so I am expecting him to rebound and become the team player the Eels need him to be.
I feel a bit guilty posting negatives about a player as I was never good enough to play anywhere near those levels, so I apologise to those players.
It would be good to see Bevan French bounce back this season as he is a real excitement machine. We all remember some of those scintillating tries he scored in his earlier Eels games. His speed off the mark results in tries that most players would not be able to score and that speed can also force the opposition onto the back foot, which a team with the right attitude should be able to take advantage of. I believe players like Kenny, Ella, Wally Lewis, who could all read a game and understand their own team mates abilities, would have loved having French running off them (many times French has found the gap only to be denied the ball). As stated earlier I only saw a handful of earlier 2018 games so I don’t know how players finished off the season.
Also can’t forget Gowie (one of my favourites).He has never let the top side down when called upon and is showing his value to the club by helping out the young players.
Can’t wait to see Sivo play as he has a great fend, very good change of direction, and is excellent in the air.
Okay I am sorry for the length of the above, it’s just that I haven’t posted in a while so I thought I would give a whole 6 months worth in one go.😬
Cheers, Trev.
Trevor a good report indeed. I saw Tui a couple of seasons back in a couple of games and he was quite devasting in some of his runs. I don’t remember Stone playing in those games but I do remember his input into a couple of NSW rep/soo origin games against QLD and he really made me sit up and take notice. Not a lot of him except his hair in those days and played above his weight both in attack and defence.
I like what I am seeing of Kafusi and have said that above. The younger players I believe have given the top squad a dose of enthusiasm which has to help the team overall.
I agree with you Kaysa and French also. My hope is that both will have an injury free year and put pressure on the others, Kaysa;’s injury in 17 really set him back as he was playing 80minutes and had cemented that spot, many anti Kaysa fans were actually complimenting him and finally seeing the player he can be. French had a disaster season last year, to which I put lack of confidence owing to his injury, if he can show his previous years form there will be big pressure on other backs in the team.
Like others in the team Nathan Brown was not as strong last year but his injury did not help, Ma’u also looks stronger and hopefully back to his former hard self.
Thanks for your thoughts
Colin, Trevor has given a reply worthy of being compared to one of your detailed observations. It’s good stuff!
You’ve prompted me to reinforce Trevor’s comments about Ray Stone. His play did remind me of Pricey back in 2017. He continually turned up wherever the ball/action was. There was one match when, from memory, he crossed for four tries.
Sixties, maybe I must be a fan of the underdog or something in regard to players, I may also put the mocka on them by being that fan and supporting them, first off Kaysa, then Bev, now Stone.
A couple of things they have in common over the past few years, injuries, but also some exciting flashes of play, my hope is that the first one will not raise its ugliness for any of them this year. Other thing is that they are each basically small players for their respective positions, and that means they are written off because of their sizes, the comments made by one commentator on the day that Paul Taylor trotted onto Cumberland with a second row number on his back “Parra must be joking with that player in the forwards” always sticks in my mind with the — he’s too ??? to play first grade/nrl, not forgetting John Baker as well.
For me though grit and determination can well overcome that issue in the players, & given the opportunities, each of them can, hopefully at the eels. Stone could actually develop into a very hand utility type player
Colin, I think that Stone will open up his selection opportunities by developing his utility value. He could be ideal as a back up middle forward/dummy half.
Thanks Col. I saw Stone slip and miss a tackle in one game and Mahoney who always involved himself in the tackle, didn’t on this occasion, resulting in the player racing away to score. Well Stone and Mahoney didn’t hang their heads, instead they were filthy with themselves. That’s the attitude all players need to be good team players. I also hope Bev gets his confidence back as the game needs exciting players like him. I can’t believe Kaufusi’s size and also Stefano??? the other big young player training beside him. It bodes well for the future if those big lads keep learning and improving and we are able to keep them. You mentioned Manu Mau and he looks like he has really bulked up along with Alvaro and Kane Evans.
When you have a minor difference in the talent of NRL players, it’s that attitude and dedication that sets the elite apart.
sixties and Trevor
I am very surprised, happily so at this point of time seeing how the likes of Alvaro, Ma’u, Tepai and others have added to their torso’s, I looked at a video on the eels web site and there was Jnr, with a bit of a gut still, with sweat pouring off his forehead, he still looks big but a different big, same as a few others this season.
There is still value in a utility I believe, but it depends on the type and where he’s able to play and make an impression, as such for us to have a hooker on the bench, he needs to also be able to fit in at least in the halves, the other role is for a lock/hooker replacement, based on those aspects I would say that Mahoney & Pritchard will fight for the 9 spot solely, and both could share matches depending on the opposition. However, I would certainly like to see Stone have a chance at the Lock/hooker role, an ideal arena for someone his size, aggressive play and desire to win.
If that happens he could very much cement a spot in the 17.
Yeah Col it would be great to see such hard work pay off for those three (Mahoney, Stone, Pritchard).
Too True.
Wow! What a reply Trevor. People should do themselves a favour and read this. Your opinions and observations deserve an audience. A couple of things – Sean Keppie is the young prop you were thinking of. I believe Jesse Cronin will start in Flegg this year but I’d like to think he’ll progress to ISP.
There’s not too much more I can add other than I definitely see Mahoney as our NRL dummy half.
Thanks for that Sixties. I just compiled a reply, had it ready to send, and somehow managed to lose it. Your right it was Keppie, a raw boned type of player if I recall. If Cronin keeps improving he will do very well.
Young Reed, Dylan Brown and Guth makes for a very inexperienced spine but all three are very good defenders, very fit, support well, chase down breakaways, and never give up until the game has ended, (top class attitude) so I can’t wait to see them performing together.
Whatever they do this year will be setting up for a brighter future for the Eels.
Are the players in the top 30 set in stone already or can we chop and change before the trials start? Excuse my ignorance but I would love to see the big young blokes get into it right from the start. If their good enough their old enough!
The Top 30 doesn’t chop and change. They would have to shed players to create space. So Corey Norman’s departure created a space.
Very true. Probably the most rewarding part for me is seeing the young players make the grade and we seem to have a number of them coming through at the moment that could go on to become top players like:
Mahoney
Stone
Kaufusi
Stefano
Faingaa
Brown
Parry
Dunster
Sixties I think you stated last year somewhere about the work the Eels have been putting into developing the junior grades, well as you would be seeing at the games and on the training paddock, it seems to be starting to come to fruition. Definitely heading in the right direction. I know the team want to be competitive and finish the season in a good position, but it could turn out to be more of a development year with so many inexperienced and new players in the squad. Either way so long as the effort and the attitude is right, success should follow, if not this season then next. Trev.
End of this year we have 19 off contract, some of those names in your list Trevor are included in the off contract list. Of the 19 and not including any of these young players whom I think should bet extensions, there is 5 off contract that I would say to sign again with perhaps 2 others, that gives us 13 or 14 to forward with. from this years players plus those still contracted until end 2020 which includes another 8, that gives us 21-22 players for next year. If the 30 man squad still is in operation, we will have vacancies for 8/9 new faces next year.
Some of those younger ones have probably been updated Colin.
sixties, I purposely left off the younger players from the 18 on the list in the calculations. Using only those who I do not believe will be offered extensions, on that score I could be very wrong in the end.
Trevor, as Forty and I get along to Junior Reps, we’ve been writing for some time now about the talent in this group of players. Time will tell if they develop into Top tier NRL players, but for now they have the right attitude to make the most of any opportunity.
Happy new yr sixties. Finally got internet connection after moving. What a headache telecommunications industry is lol.
Anyhow good read I see nothing but a good year in 2019.
I was at Parramatta today n let me just say other teams that turn up will be shocked by the size of the stadium. It’s bloody massive.
#eels4life#
Welcome back Rev.
The stadium really is very close to completion. Last time I was at the club at night they had the coloured lights inside the stadium flashing.
I’m told they have the turf growing out in a farm or something. When is it getting put on.
Very soon.