The Cumberland Throw

Eels Pre-Season Training – Wrapping It Up Edition

With only a Captain’s Run to go, today’s opposed session wrapped up the major preparations for the Eels opening round clash against the Panthers.

My training reports concluded in the week of the final trial at Penrith, but there’s a relevant question remaining that many people have asked of me – “You were full of praise for last pre-season and look what happened. How was this pre-season any different?”

The response is both easy and challenging to articulate. For the most part there are facts and examples to illustrate the differences between pre-seasons. I could also borrow from The Castle and simply write, “It’s the vibe”.

For the purposes of this post, I’ll skip the movie quote and stay with the tangible.

Staffing

It’s worthwhile examining the personnel for this pre-season. Although Brad Arthur and Steve Murphy remain as Head Coach and Assistant Coach respectively, there have been changes right across the football department. Included in the changes from last pre-season we have:

Mark O’Neill – Head of Football
Mick Potter – NRL Development Coach
David Kidwell – Assistant Coach
Rip Taylor – Wenty Coach
Adrian Jimenez – Strength and Conditioning Coach/Head Trainer
Scott Fraser – now Head Physio
Brendan Inkster – new Rehab Coach
Alex Rooke – new Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach

BA providing individual coaching.

Arthur has never delivered identical pre-seasons. The conditioning has varied each year and the skills and ball work have have been introduced at different points. Sometimes it’s been due to external factors (eg World Cup in 2017), otherwise it’s part of the season plan.

With the additional staff, Arthur seemed more omnipresent during the first half of the pre-season rather than attached to a specific drill. As Head Coach, he utilises the skills of his assistants. As the team increased the time spent in opposed sessions after the new year, BA became the dominant voice.

I haven’t dedicated much space to describing some of Steve Murphy’s attacking drills this year, and for good reason. The differences here must be kept under wraps. We’ll let the opposition discover more about those on match days. What hasn’t changed is Murf’s energy and positivity. I regard blokes like Murf and Joey as tremendous motivators.

There’s not much that I can offer about O’Neill at this stage. I’ve met him once and only spoke briefly. That said, his appointment has lightened the load on a number of staff, including the coaches. This immediately allowed more time to be dedicated to the business of coaching.

Kidwell and Jimenez joined the Eels during the 2018 season proper. Neither were part of the pre-season preparations for last year. Therefore, the coaching/training provided by both provide an immediate point of difference to the previous season.

Mick Potter in the ref ranks

Although Potter has taken on some of his NRL duties, Joey Grima (now the Elite Pathways Coaching Director) is still involved in some sessions, providing specialised skills coaching or officiating opposed sessions when available.

Mick Potter provides specialised coaching of the NRL squad, in addition to his work with development contract players or those transitioning to NRL level. There have been a few skill  drills that I’ve seen him lead which looked new to my eye. To be fair, all of the coaches are normally expected to bring an innovation every year. It should be noted that Potter is in a newly created role and has his own method of delivery, so there’s immediately a difference from last year.

Though the padded wrestle room drills haven’t been open to the public, the time spent on defensive technique in the sand pit with Kidwell has been brutal to watch. Blood has been drawn, bragging rights from contests have been earned. Attitude, pure strength and technique have been equal parts winners.

Though the pit has been used in the past, I’d never seen it used in the manner it was. There certainly seemed to be a mission to take the players out of their comfort zone. When times got tough during some opposed sessions I’m sure I heard references to the pit called out.

Personally, I find it difficult to identify the coaching as attack/defence or forwards/backs as being solely the domain of a particular coach. All of the coaches have been involved in the pit work, as well as the attacking and defensive drills. In reality, that’s being a team.

Conditioning

Firstly a clarification. Adrian Jimenez has not replaced Lachlan Wilmot who remains the NRL Head of Performance and can be seen leading the squad through specific athletic development sessions, as well as the start of field sessions.

Adrian Cuzzy Jimenez during his Storm days.

As reported above, Adrian joined the Eels during the 2018 season. He joined from the Panthers after previously enjoying a long and distinguished tenure with the Storm. Here’s an interview he did with Peter Leitch when he was working with the Kiwis. Although he had an impact upon his arrival at Old Saleyards, the true benefit of his methods would not be felt until he got a full pre-season with the Eels.

The work of Adrian, Alex and Lachlan has achieved a different level of fitness in the squad this pre-season.

The Eels pulled the wrong rein in 2018. Our 2017 success was based on a fit, lightweight and mobile pack. We played our best football when the game flowed with minimal stoppages. Keeping the ball in play would allow the Eels to finish over the top of bigger teams as they became fatigued. Our team prepared for the same game to exist in 2018.

Unfortunately it was not. Hello referees edict….

The impact of the “penaltyathon” of early 2018 took a heavy toll on our prospects. The game became stop/start. Every penalty became a rest period as teams elected to kick for goal. The bigger players became more effective in 2018 than they had in recent history.

By the time the pattern had been established, it was too late to change the body shapes of the Eels team.

This season, the diets, gym sessions and conditioning work have been modified. The long distance and hill runs replaced by prolonged and repetitive shorter distances and a barrage of “Malcolms”.

Consider this.

With the notable exception of Junior Paulo who is unquestionably in the best shape of his career, the Eels will field a much larger team than last season, but one which the conditioning methods will ensure is extremely mobile.

Polar

Tim Mannah, Shaun Lane, Peni Terepo and Manu Ma’u are all noticeably bigger. Daniel Alvaro commenced last season at around 105kg. He will enter Round 1 at approximately 115kg. Tepai also sat around 105kg last year and struggled to maintain that weight. He will play at around 110kg this year.

Marata Niukore looks stronger than ever and

Big Brad Takairangi returns from his stint as a forward to add size to our newly recruited big wingers Blake Ferguson and Maika Sivo. Even Gutho will start 5kgs heavier at 96kg. That’s a significant weight gain for a man correctly regarded as a fitness freak.

Will the Eels deliver a different brand of football on the back of the changes in size and conditioning? Time will tell.

Youth Brings A New Mindset

I’m a bit reluctant to use the term culture, basically because I’m not sure if it’s something which is easily defined within a rugby league club. If anything it carries negative connotations in this current climate.

The squad hit the ground running back in November. And in my opinion they did so on the back of the young Eels.

Oregon and Stefano in the red.

This season, Stefano Utoikamanu, Dylan Brown, Oregon Kaufusi, Ethan Parry, Haze Dunster, Salesi Fainga’a, Filia Utoikamanu and Kyle Schneider joined full time training. I’ll throw Maika Sivo into this mix as he’s very close to these boys and enjoying his elevation into an NRL squad.

It was a well-planned approach supported by a proactive group of 18-20 year old players with tight bonds.

The work for the young blokes began towards the latter part of the 2018 season. Weights and conditioning were undertaken at Saleyards before most people had woken for the day. There would be no surprises for these players before they arrived for their first session of pre-season.

But it wasn’t enough for this group. They maintained their own training regime, both individually and as a group, after the season concluded. They didn’t just plan to deal with the pre-season. They aimed to excel. And they did.

The work ethic has been strong and laid down a genuine challenge to the “old brigade”. Incredibly, Clint Gutherson was the target of their ambitions.

Ethan Parry

As the conditioning became competitive, it looked like the young guns had formed a strategy to take him down. Parry, Dunster, and Brown seemed to take turns in declaring him on, trying to wear him down. Schneider, Mahoney and Salmon were always just behind them, ready to strike. Indeed, both Mahoney and Salmon ended up heading the King in a couple of memorable runs.

Mind you, Gutho was no easy target. Dylan Brown has shared the story of trying to take Gutho during a sequence of runs in Armidale, only to collapse with exhaustion in the hot conditions.

On another note, the young players to join the squad last pre-season did not have as many peers joining them in their first pre-season. Reed Mahoney, Ray Stone and Greg Leleisiuao were elevated to the full time squad in November 2017. Throw in Jaeman Salmon from the Sharks and Dane Aukafolau in his second pre-season. It was a decent inclusion of youth but it paled in comparison to this year.

Having so many peers motivating and supporting each other through this pre-season unquestionably impacted the entire squad.

It’s All About Competing

The competitiveness hit a new level during this pre-season, with a highlight from every session. Some I mentioned during my reports, some I didn’t as I think it’s important that there are training moments that remain at Old Saleyards.

My personal highlights included:

* Young players pushing Gutho during every run

Fergo “How good is this!”

* Fergo and Junior finding the collisions and the words to remind Ethan Parry who he was up against

* Dylan Brown laughing in the pit as he rinsed the blood out of his mouth during a contact drill

* Gutho and Mannah leading in the backs and forwards runs, then going back to run with the back markers

* Fergo yelling out “how good is this!” as the team was asked to defend multiple sets during opposed work

* Tepai urging his team mates to find more as Jimenez demanded more “Malcolms” to finish a session.

You’ll note that these moments don’t include the spectacular, but rather highlight an attitude to compete and win which was prevalent throughout the last four months.

More than anything else, this is what I’ll be looking for throughout the season proper.

Players To Watch

* Pre-Season MVP – Clint Gutherson

Superlatives fail me. Professional, competitive, leader, fitness superfreak, joker. I could be completely wrong, but I see nothing in the King that says naturally gifted but I see everything in him that screams winner.
The team doesn’t revolve around him, and yet he’s central to everything. That statement almost seems nonsensical, but Gutho is the team’s battery, energising their efforts and setting standards. He always around the action, always barking orders.

* Most Influential – Blake Ferguson

I would never have believed that a winger could be such a good communicator and have such an influence on his team mates. Then Blake Ferguson arrived at Old Saleyards.

From Day One, Fergo hasn’t stopped talking. From mentoring younger players to barking at his inside men in attack, his impact has already been significant. I am convinced that he was highly influential in the Roosters success last year, and it wasn’t just from his running metres.

* Break Out Year – Tepai Moeroa and Junior Paulo

Big Junior

It was difficult to separate Tepai and Junior in this category. Both look to be in the strongest and fittest shapes of their careers. Tepai will be bigger, Junior will be a svelte 125kg. Both are still young. Junior is 25 years old whereas Tepai is just 23.
Tepai seems to have found a confidence and maturity during this pre-season. Despite his increased size, he’s surprised me with his pace during sprints.
I asked Adrian Jimenez whether he sets different conditioning KPIs for someone of Junior’s size. He shook his head and replied that he would make Junior carry his size better than any other big man in the NRL. Watching him train, I reckon it will be mission accomplished.

* Most Improved – Dylan Brown

If Clint Gutherson did not exist, Dylan would have earned my MVP. Instead he earns my most improved. Not because he started from a low base, because my high opinion of his talents has been no secret. However, he has grown from a Flegg player with a couple of ISP games under his belt to an NRL squad member who regularly earns applause from his team mates. It’s that simple.

* Most Anticipated – Maika Sivo

Maika Sivo

After playing for Fiji in the Under 20s Rugby World Cup, Sivo has been on a rugby league odyssey which has taken him through four levels of senior rugby league. Country group footy, Sydney Shield, Ron Massey and ISP have provided his league education. He arrived at Parramatta recovering from a shoulder operation, worked through months of rehab, impressed in opposed sessions and trials, and now debuts in the NRL in the opening round.

Maika (my-cah) is big, fast and has a good feel for the game. Hold onto your hats!

* Watch For a Debut – Ethan Parry

Both Stefano Utoikamanu and Haze Dunster were in the running to be nominated here, but injuries have slightly derailed the start of their seasons

Parry is competitive, confident and tough. His frame is the prototype for an outside back in the NRL and he took full advantage of his opportunities during the trials. Will he have to wait till after June 30 to debut?

* The Unknown

Andrew Davey is a mystery to most and a signing that left many wondering who he is. I’ll be following his development playing for Wenty with great interest. He’s quite fast for his size and runs terrific lines. The big back rower has broken the defence line quite a few times during opposed sessions. He could just be a late blooming diamond in the rough.

* Lower Grade Watch – Salesi Fainga’a and Kyle Schneider

Schneider

Anyone at Panthers Stadium two weeks ago who were unfamiliar with Salesi saw him announce his presence with an eye catching display in the Canterbury Cup trial. Big defensive hits, powerhouse running and deft ball skills are the hallmarks of the big Fijian’s game. Get to Ringrose this year and watch his development.

There has been no Eels dummy half in recent seasons with Kyle Schneider’s skill set. This is not a criticism of those players, but a reflection of Schneider as a game manager and leader. His two brief trial appearances have delivered a 40/20 in each match. He’ll be likely to spend most of 2019 in Flegg as he adds muscle to his frame after missing much of 2018 with a shoulder injury. A genuine player of the future.

Leadership

In recent seasons, criticism has been levelled at the Eels leadership outside of Gutherson and Mannah. It can’t just fall on two players to drive the team, as evidenced by the leadership groups at other clubs.

This pre-season has seen the arrival of two players who’ve added leadership – Ferguson and Paulo. The influence of Ferguson has already been detailed, but the mentoring of the young players has also been taken on by Junior.

Gowie has always been a gifted communicator and an intelligent analyst of the game. For mine he has taken ownership of leading the fringe players, and stepped up beyond his role in previous years.

Looking to the future, Tepai has held up his hand as a senior player during this pre-season. I believe that this could take his own game to another level, hence my prediction of a breakout year.

A Final Word And Message Of Thanks

Parramatta supporters are in a privileged position. Though training times aren’t advertised, there are no locks preventing people from watching field sessions. From our perspective, we’ve been made to feel welcome every day that we’ve attended.

To all the staff and players who’ve taken the time to speak with us, we are especially grateful.

There has been a huge constant during this era under the coaching of Brad Arthur, and that’s honesty. There just isn’t any bullshit. Anyone who’s had the opportunity to speak with any of the staff will relate to that. We’ve been the beneficiaries of that over many years of watching the team train.

I’m not on my own when it comes to the anticipation surrounding the young players commencing their NRL journey. The Cumberland Throw have been watching their progress since their Junior Rep days, and we’ve got to know them over this time. Many have a background working with the Giant Steps School. Our club is in good hands both on and off the field with these young men.

Finally, thank you to everyone who’s read and replied to my reports throughout this pre-season. Your comments often shape my observations and are greatly appreciated.

Here’s to an exciting 2019 season.

Eels forever!

Sixties

http://www.starrpartners.com.au/office/starr-partners-narellan

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72 thoughts on “Eels Pre-Season Training – Wrapping It Up Edition

  1. Greg Okladnikov

    great wrap up of the pre season. Let the games begin. See you at the grounds somewhere !!

  2. Milo

    Wow. What a prelude to the off season. V comprehensive Sixties and so much to comment on. Coaches, training and of course the highlights.
    Honesty is the best policy!! Love it BA.
    Superb and superb. Thank you for all the pre season reports and to also to your support crew and team at TCT.
    I’ve almost dribbled too much reading this…

  3. Clive

    Thanks for another great preseason Gents, it’s much appreciated. The info you guys provide is unrivalled by any other website on the net.

  4. John K

    Thanks mate, I read your reports with great interest every time. I’m sure though that many people appreciate what you do.

  5. Matt from Griffith

    Great read sixties..will be up for opening game at parra stadium.catch up for a beer..

  6. MattL

    Great wrap up for a great off season of reporting. Thanks for keeping us diehards entertained and informed. Go Eels!

    1. sixties Post author

      Thanks Matt. In some ways it’s felt like a long pre-season, and yet the kick off now seems to be suddenly on us. Go figure.

  7. Anonymous

    Thanks for all the updates. I read every single one and am very excited about the year ahead, especially D Brown and Fergo. Will be interesting to see how the extra bulk affects the players mentioned. Bring on Sunday!

    1. sixties Post author

      Thanks mate. I’m really looking forward to see what we produce in the season proper too. The unavailability of a couple of forwards isn’t ideal for round 1, but I still think we’ll acquit ourselves well.

  8. BDon

    Tks sixties and team for the pre-season coverage. I know far more about NRL than I did 5 months back. You can’t always defend the dumb actions of some players, officials and supporters but I never agree with anyone knocking the game itself. TCT is a good place for people who love their Rugby League. Bring on 2019, I think we ll go better than most are tipping, the new blood is great and our recruiting, still with cap hangover, addresses weaknesses. Pray for minimal injuries – not a great start!

    1. sixties Post author

      Thanks BDon. It’s been a crazy pre-season for the NRL as a whole. I hope that people continue to share our story about Giant Steps because there’s still plenty of good going on out there.
      TCT are supporters like all of you. We have one goal in mind – to produce the type of site that we believe fellow supporters would enjoy visiting.

  9. Jack

    Fantastic read mate! Thanks for your blogs, they kept me sane for another preseason…. may 2019 be a great year for the eels and the members.

    1. sixties Post author

      Thanks Jack. I must say that watching opposed sessions provides the footy fix that I need during the pre-season. Agreed, I’d like to avoid adopting the fetal position at games this year!

  10. Colin Hussey

    Sixties, thank you heaps for this article, for me with the season for the eels starts in reality this coming Sunday, I will be in front of the box and hope no interruptions from any in the family or outside it,
    Prior to reading this post, I have been quietly confident for the year ahead, your training reports and those of others like Forty, brings us honest and frank calls in how they see things going, always a pleasure to read and they seem to get better and have more impact each season as well.

    Going through what you have said, that quiet confidence has been lifted somewhat, the listing of the back staff we have and their roles, has been long overdue, the rise of so many of the young brigade to be putting pressure on the NRL squad reeks of success and not just desire to win, but a mindset that says we will play and give our all each week the best I can do, repay the confidence the staff have had on them and other players as well, all being taken into the fold and it shows in attitudes., some of which will also lift the more senior players as well,

    Reading about how Fergo contributes is another story again, when his name came up in the past it reeked of the Canberra player who could not control himself off field and sadly affected his game and respect for him was well down. Last year and what he has shown so far since starting with the eels, shows he has matured big time, and will be a huge bonus for the team with his influence, a player I never thought I would see changing his spots, has done so in a great way.

    I actually see the eels going well this year, they will shock the more fancied teams once all are fully fit and injury free, It will be hard to pick winners out of them, or at least who is the best.

    My hope is to see no more eels player caught out in off field indiscretions, and show the club, and his teammates that their acts have been cleaned up. As such our one suspended player I hope is given another chance as he was doing well in training and loved his input in the Penrith trial.

    Thanks for starting our season on such a great note.

    1. sixties Post author

      As always Colin I appreciate your input and support.
      It’s not ideal to be without Manu and Peni and to have Junior in doubt. That’s three of the forwards in our starting 17. Munz in particular looked impressive in the Penrith trial and Junior was near unstoppable during the Raiders trial. I hope a decision is reached soon regarding Peni. It was a very silly act and a poor representation of himself and the club. That said, it seems like there’s no police action – though the club should get the full details and be able to make an informed decision. Without knowing any details, it’s difficult to determine an appropriate penalty. If he’s simply been intoxicated and a bit obnoxious on his flight (and failed to report it himself), does he deserve to have his contract terminated? Or is a fine and suspension sufficient?

      1. Colin Hussey

        Thanks sixties for your comments.
        Re Peni, when the report first came out, my mind went to a previous suspension he had, and I thought perhaps a double of that would be appropriate. Since then there has been more information on what took place, without going into the aspect of what he was drinking, and the refusal to hand it over along with the coffee cup, which is a breach of flight rules, is perhaps the worst aspect of the incident. Of course the comments to the female attendant does not help either. The aspect that he was allowed to board his connecting flight and the NZ police not taking action, is a bit of a saving grace and may be the determining factor in any decision on him.

        Best case scenario for the eels and for Peni would be probably whatever the last suspension he had is doubled along with a similar fine imposed. On top of that he needs to have a strict condition inserted into his contract regarding any future incidents.
        From a playing perspective, his lift in his game plays last year and this year so far shows his value and would be sad to lose him, in the end the decision will be made not just by the club but the NRL integrity unit as well.

        .

        1. sixties Post author

          I don’t want to make light of it as a storm in a tea cup, or even some alcohol in a tea cup.
          Large fine and short suspension for mine. Perhaps a contract warning on top of that.

  11. Trouser Eel

    I never “enjoy” the of season but your pieces help me get through it. Thanks Sixties for keeping the embers hot. Now for the real thing to commence and hopeful fuel the flame.

  12. Wile

    This sounds like a big weaknesses for the Eels.
    Firstly thanks Sixties – greatly appreciate the training reports.
    1. Most wars have been won and lost by intelligence – one side finding out the other’s plans
    2. Anyone can go and watch the training sessions that you do not want to tell us about fully because there are important aspects the opposition should not know.
    3.If I was another team I would be sending someone to have s look at our training sessions
    These training sessions should be closed if they would provide any information for our opponents

    1. Milo

      Wile if that is the case they would. I know Penrith v well and the same could be said their; let along many other clubs. If clubs got a sniff of this occurring it would be known.
      If you have been to the training venue you would know that entry is through fence / gates etc. and easily noted by all.

      1. sixties Post author

        Wile, there is not much preventing “spying” with most clubs. If a club wants to watch another club they are only dealing with cyclone fences, if that. I’ve also watched Manly train and been to the Panthers facility. “New” faces are usually “noted” at Parra training. To be honest, we have even reported people taking footage that look dubious. Most of the issues usually surround media taking footage outside of their allocated time.
        As someone who watches training regularly, I don’t report on certain aspects because I’ve seen it enough times to know what they’re working on, and why would I provide any potential heads up?

    2. parrathruandthru

      Ha reminds me of the time during the semi finals in the 80s when Jack Gibson had someone park his big American car in sight of Belmore. A Dodge I think it was and it was well known what Jack drove. Doggys went into meltdown and Jack was home in his loungeroom

  13. Anonymous

    Great , articulate read mate. Thank you and the team for all your wonderful efforts. Your articles really seem to catch the essence of the team in training. I for one am eager for what hopefully will be an exciting growth year. Cheers

  14. Jonno

    Great articulate read mate. You are somehow able to grab the essence of the training sessions. Am very excited for what hopefully turns out to be , an amazing “growth” year. Thanks you and the team for all your efforts

    1. sixties Post author

      You’re welcome Johnno. I like your terminology of growth year. There is a sense of a changing of the guard. I’m expecting more exciting graduates to join the NRL squad next year.

  15. panic

    Nice to see you’ve spotted Andrew Davey. To most people, he’s pretty much flown under the radar since he got here but I really like what I’ve seen of him. In ISC he was a solid 80 minute player, strong and accurate defender (over 90% tackle effectiveness), nice soft hands, surprisingly quick (he used to be a centre and I think could still play there) and runs great lines. Strong work ethic and not afraid to challenge himself. I really hope he gets a run in the Big Show – I think he’ll surprise a few people.

    1. sixties Post author

      Astute way of describing him Panic because sometimes he flies under the radar with me at training too. Then suddenly he’ll run a great line and bust into the back field.
      It will be difficult for him to oust Marata, Lane, Manu or even Tepai at this stage, but if he maintains a high standard for Wenty, injuries might give him his chance.

      1. Poppa

        Hi mate,
        I was a bit worried that I hadn’t read anything new for the past week and you certainly made up for that with this report.
        Your summation was “brilliantly” put and I would love to copy it to the other site where they badly need an injection of optimism.
        I know one thing if your love and support of the Eels was transferable then the players would not need any further motivation on what the “feel good” aspects of what you write about them.

        I look forward to our teams success, not just because I am a long term Parra supporter but because people like yourself deserve the reward for the time and effort you put in. That goes for the rest of the TCT team but I suspect they all have similar feelings about what you apply Craig.

        I still believe we are at the beginning of an era and success will come, if not immediatey…..then not too far away…..I also believe under the circumstances and opportunities presented this year we could not have done much better with team we have picked up.

        Good luck for the rest of the year, I will remain in touch, see ya’s.

        1. sixties Post author

          Thanks Poppa. I am optimistic about the season but I remain realistic about the task this Sunday against a team tipped in some quarters to be premiers, with potentially three of our top forwards missing.
          I honestly believe that this has been the best pre-season that I’ve witnessed.
          Is it the strongest roster we’ve assembled under Arthur? I believe it’s stronger than last year, and we were tipped to go top 4 last year. Arguably, the 2016 roster prior to the cap dramas and loss of players was stronger.
          Regardless, a changing of the guard is upon us.

  16. West Coast Eel

    I must admit, after listening to many ‘experts’ predicting us to be cellar dwellers again and next to no chance to win on Sunday, I was feeling a bit unsure about the eels this year. But after reading this post, I’m excited again! I can’t wait for Sunday now and I’m hoping there’s a fair bit of improvement in this side. On another note, try to keep this article off socials. We don’t want other clubs getting jealous.

    1. sixties Post author

      Sunday will be tough, but this is a side of the future. Junior is important to our season. We need to get about 20 games out of him.
      Thanks for that mate. I suppose there aren’t too many TCTs to be found.

  17. Glenn

    A big thanks to all the staff for their great pre-season reports. Always start the morning by opening TCT first in anticipation of a new report, has made the offseason bearable.

    1. sixties Post author

      Thanks Glenn. I’ll still be watching training but I won’t need to take any more reminder notes! Keep an eye out for some gems that Forty has been working on.

  18. Longfin Eel

    I must say I am excited about the prospect of a season with so much youth in the squad. This looks to be invigorating the whole team and by all reports has lifted all the players to another level. I do believe that sport is something that anyone can excel if they have the right mindset. I see this with athletes that I coach – if they believe in themselves their performances will improve greatly. Once they start to doubt themselves that is where performances drop off. The trick is to keep them motivated and looking to knock off the next KPI.

    1. sixties Post author

      Longfin, the exciting thing is also picking the next group of juniors to be elevated from the Ball and Flegg sides. They are definitely there.
      I selected Parry as potentially the next to debut, and I reckon he has the type of mindset that you’ve described.

  19. DDay

    Great write up and thanks to the TCT team for providing hope going into 2019. It has been so good to read the updates and be informed about the team’s training and development during the off-season. Enjoyed the background on the coaching staff involvement – certainly much more foot nous involved this year. I’d love “your players to watch” snapshot to be fulfilled, particularly Junior & Tep because that would provide a platform to unleash the talent in the edge forwards and backs. Interesting outline about the leadership group, we have been noticeably short in this area in recent years.
    Does the club involve De Gois or Jeff Robson in mentoring the new debutantes?

    1. sixties Post author

      Not that I’m aware of DDay. Mick Potter has the role of coaching the players as they transition, but I’ve watched blokes like Mannah and Ferguson coach players on technique and positioning. Eg Mannah coaching Kaufusi on how to achieve a quick play the ball and Fergo coaching Dunster and Salmon on positioning and defensive reads.

    2. parrathruandthru

      De Gois coaches Campbelltown City Kangaroos, Robson is the welfare and education officer at the Wests Tigers

  20. The rev aka Snedden

    Good rap up of a good pre season. Sunday can’t come soon enough for the rev . Church service then a good n long prayer for our boy’s to get win #1 up.
    I’m looking forward to seeing Maiko sivo in full flight Want to see how good he really is all it’s just all talk.

    Going by the main picture looks like big JP is running freely am I right in saying his lining up this Sunday ?

    1. sixties Post author

      That’s an older photo there. Junior has been running but playing a game is more than just that. I wouldn’t want him to play if he’s any risk of getting a longer term injury.
      Maika looks like a natural footballer to me.

  21. Michael Formosa

    Awesome post! I’m loving all these young guys coming through. It reminds me when we had Hayne Inu, T-Rex and Metao all come through together. Bring on season 2019! Can’t wait for Sunday.

    1. sixties Post author

      It’s exciting to have debuts in round 1. Instead of trying to guess who will debut this season, we’re saying who else will debut!

  22. Anonymous

    Thanks again 60s for another great pre season. Without your reports and updates the off season would be unbearable.

    1. sixties Post author

      Thanks anon. I’m lucky to be able to watch training. The opposed sessions are sometimes as intense as matches. And guess what – Parra always win the penalty counts.

  23. Shelley

    I have to say I am not really sure what to expect but will be cheering the boys on loudly. I am just happy the footy is back. I am most looking forward to watching how Fergusson goes. I also expect Gutho to be back to his best and Nathan Brown to toughen up our pack, although it will be hard without Paulo and Ma’u. Good luck to Dylan Brown. I hope we all remember he is young with much to learn. Thank you sixties for the wonderful coverage over the off season.

  24. Gazzamatta

    Ta 60s. Your dedication to the cause and us die hards deserves nothing less than a successful season. As has been the case for 50 previous seasons, I live in hope.
    Go The Mighty Eels.

    1. Anonymous

      Sixties you are famous in our wide family of rusted on Parra supporters. Around family BBQ’s over the holidays, you only had to say “⎌Sixties said in his report on training ….” and everyone knew who you were talking about. Your contribution is amazing, your writing better than professional journalists and your insights are intelligent. Don’t want you to get too big a head but love your work, and maybe one day you could do a “SIxties Profile” and tell us a bit more about yourself.

      1. sixties

        I’m not sure what to say Anon. Those words are very kind. I reckon the words “Parra Supporter” might sum things up because that sums up all of us on the Throw. If I supply any further details about myself it will only lead to great disappointment 😬😬😬

  25. Anonymous

    Any word on Filia Utoikamanu ? Is there any chance he may come back to club. Seems to have dissapeared from training and as most known couldn’t get insurance. Are him and the club still working on this or is his career at Parra over?

    1. sixties Post author

      Anon, Filia’s situation is tough for him and one that is probably best left for the club to comment on should they wish.

  26. Steve

    Sixties can I ask you more about Tepai? I note your comments about his increased size and maturity during this off season. He’s played both edges and middle – where do you think he’s best suited? Personally I think he should be kept out of the middle and encouraged to evolve into a hole running edge runner. His best contributions to the team in my opinion were in 2017 when he was playing right edge running off Moses. Frustratingly though, BA would move him into the middle to accommodate Kenny Edwards on the right. His time at the Eels has been like that – being shuffled around therefore struggling to find a specific role in the team. I also feel despite his attributes, he lacks rugby league instincts, particularly with the ball in hand. He still looks like a rugby union breakaway trying to make the transition to league. In saying all that I like him as he has a good motor, size, a lot of heart and hits hard in defence. I want him to take the next step in his career. What are your thoughts?

    1. sixties Post author

      I’m frustrated in my own opinion about Tepai. Like you, I’ve regarded Tep as potentially a devastating running backrower. He’s confirmed this potential at training too. Then I’ll see something in his game that makes me believe he is definitely a middle forward. I wonder whether the same conundrum has faced the coaches or even Tepai himself. He could be someone that, due to versatility and size, swaps between roles. It makes him ideal for the bench doesn’t it?
      I can assure you that he is significantly bigger this season, but his pace has not been lost. Forced to pick one position, I’d keep him in the back row in the long term.
      Why?
      We have many young front rowers emerging at the club – Kaufusi, Utoikamanu, Hollis, Hughes. Throw in Junior and Polar who are still young and Nathan Brown as a middle lock and I think we’re in good shape going forward.
      Regardless of the position, I honestly believe he’s about to have his best season.

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