How would it be possible to top what was on show in Wednesday’s opposed session?
The contact had been just below NRL match intensity, so there were undoubtedly aches, pains and sore limbs recovering on Thursday. More of the same would not be possible, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching BA’s coaching – maximum use is always made of scheduled times.
With marker cones at the ready, and trundle wheel in hand, Trent Elkin’s early appearance on the field signalled that there would be a decent conditioning component. Soon after, as Joey Johns joined the remainder of the coaching staff, it was apparent that footy skills would also be on the agenda.
Today, Joey’s advice would not be reserved to a small select group. The immortal’s influence would extend to the entire squad.
Later, the Prince and the King would take centre stage.
Here’s how the session unfolded:
The Immortal
Equal parts attack and defence, it was a challenge to decide which aspect to focus my attention on during the early part of the session. Defensive decision making features highly on my must watch list, but checking out how the attack was implementing some of Joey’s coaching in an opposed scenario was difficult to ignore.
The squad was split into left and right side players, with the left sides getting the first use of the ball for about 15 to 20 minutes, with the right sides getting their shot after that. The coaches split up and positioned themselves behind both the attacking and defending lines.
At times the attack was like clockwork. The players in motion and shifts had the defence (grab rather than collision) stretched, opening up opportunities for line breaks.
Joey
Though these rehearsed plays were all started from a similar part of the field, there were variations executed. With some plays, the input from Andrew Johns was apparent, with the ball work resembling some of the drills seen in his sessions. Variations of the 2019 season playbook were also executed.
To explain this further, every team has signature plays. They might be strong on a certain side of the field, base attacking moves around a particular player, throw outside/inside passes around the ruck, work for crash plays close to the line. What makes some teams more successful than others is not just the timing of the play and the skill involved in the execution, but also having different options for key players to take, based on what’s in front of them. The opposition might expect something, which the attack sells to them, but then something different is delivered.
So, at training, when it seems like the defence should be shutting down an attack that appears to be staging the same play time and again, it’s actually more challenging because, just like in a game, it is often executed in different ways.
Consequently, today there was just as much praise from the coaches for defensive success as there was for line breaks. To be honest, the players seemed to enjoy claiming the bragging rights when the attack was shut down.
A wise observer noted Andrew Johns speaking with Junior Paulo after a particular play. Junior was running a line in support which didn’t quite work. No doubt there was some valuable advice delivered.
Fun(?) and Games
After concluding the left/right side drills, it was conditioning time. However, between their running requirements, the squad was kept fresh with some footy. And in case you were wondering, after Wednesday’s heavy contact, it was two hand touch today.
Players are like kids. Create some sort of game scenario, and no matter how exhausting, they’re going to enjoy that more than running set distances.
The squad was divided into two sides with an equal split of NRL and Canterbury Cup players to ensure the talent was balanced.
Dylbags
The first game had sets only lasting for three tackles. With a kick delivered on the third tackle, attacking players were often still getting into position when they were required to chase a kick. It was literally back to back kick chases. You can imagine the conditioning which comes from this game. Eventually one team would be too slow to get back in support after a kick and the third tackle would be upon them with little ground gained and their opposition would gain possession from a poor kick.
The next game was similarly three tackles, but there was no kick at the end of the set. Instead, the attacking team could earn an extra tackle by executing a certain number of passes on the last. In this game, instead of chasing kicks, the players needed to present themselves in support.
The final game was drop-off touch. After making their touch, the defender had to run around a marker pole on the sideline before re-joining the play. This keeps giving an advantage to the attacking team. If they can execute a quick play, they can potentially take a second defender out of the play.
Condition(K)ing Versus The Prince of Egypt
The majority of today’s pure conditioning involved numerous sets of approximately 400 metres each. The distances were slightly different (varying by 20-40 metres) according to the player’s position. Eg – the backs ran a different distance to the middle forwards.
With a staggered start for the groups and different finishing points, it was difficult to give credit to all outstanding performers. However, the usual crew of Gutherson, Davies, Schneider, Dylan Brown and Alvaro all maintained a high standard.
It was good to hear the calls of encouragement amongst the players, and Gutherson was in full voice exhorting maximum effort from his colleagues.
On occasions at training, players might be put on the exercise bikes rather than running. You’ll often see a number of bikes on the sideline – just as you do in games. In the latter part of today’s session, Moses was one of these players and this did not sit well with a certain Clint Gutherson. Needless to say there was banter aplenty – which was a bit of fun for the players, staff and anyone watching.
A few laughs was a tremendous way to conclude a demanding first week.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Wow!. Not much else can be said really. Certainly the players earn their positions, and their contracts with what is being done.
As usual thanks sixties for the report, somehow when I get down will need to purchase a couple of extra eyes to take it all in.
Buy a couple for me while you’re at it Col.
Look forward to these reports and continue to be AMAZED at your dedication and love of the Club.
Just following in the footsteps of those who’ve trod before Pete.
RCG seems to be giving it his all, in that pic, sitting in just behind Alvaro , is that his usual position in the pack or just the first 20metres after which he fades away? Really excited to see him wearing our Jumper and super excited to see the difference AJ has on our attack, which as good as it can be at times it really needs to be able to crack the defense of the top teams.Q.is he with us through the season proper to help crack each team week by week, or just the preseason?
Eggman, the official announcement about Joey stated that he had joined the staff and would be working weekly throughout the season. How that operates during the season might be impacted by things such as turnarounds – eg short turnarounds between games means fewer training sessions. You might only get one session and a captains run in a 5 day turn around.
To be honest, I couldn’t answer that question about RCG. I’d literally have to just watch him.
Always love your analysis – it has me there – brilliant – keep it up
ps; not a big joey fan, but you seem to make him human 😉
Cheers Anon. I’ve been watching Joey’s sessions but you might have noted that I don’t write too much detail about them. Besides the technicalities that he’s coaching, it’s obvious that he’s not just heavily invested in his job, but he thoroughly enjoys what he’s doing.
A lot of mentioning of young Schneider in these blogs, is he taking over from young reed? Sounds like he is blowing him out the water.
I’m thinking that this comment is having a bit of a shot. Up to this point, conditioning has been a big component of the preseason. The strongest performers in conditioning have been Gutho, Davies, Schneider and Brown. That’s simply reporting what I’ve observed and that’s when Schneider has been getting a mention. When I’ve offered an opinion, I’ve said that Davies could push for a shot at 14 if upgraded and I expect Schneider to begin in Flegg. They aren’t “taking over” from Reed, simply performing well and deserving of credit for their efforts.
Reed might not be beating Davies or Schneider in conditioning, but he is the consummate professional. He’s often last to leave the field following extras as he works on his passing and kicking. I haven’t really been including extras in my reports.
I don’t expect anyone to dislodge Reed.
How is Dunster looking? Looked under weight last season. Has he bulked up?
Looks a similar size to me. Might be a little bigger. Haze performs well in conditioning and skill drills. I’m sure he’ll be looking for more game time this year. He has the capacity to beat the first defender in his carries – and does this quite well. This will be his second year of Canterbury Cup and he’s one of only six backs outside the top 17 on an NRL contract. The ball is in his court.
Sixties how is his defence? Based on your view from last season etc.
Id viewed him as a very capable defender but he’d probably prefer to forget the grand final, given that the final break came down his wing. But it was tough sitting on the bench for all but a couple of minutes and trying to get a feel for the game. I’ve always thought that Haze has performed well in matches. He isn’t a power winger like Sivo or Fergo, so I don’t see him forcing either of them out. He’s played some fullback too. I think consolidating a CC spot this year would be a goal for him.
Ok, it seems a tough pathway for him but if he’s up to it then he can do well. I guess looking at our backs depth it may seem less stronger than forwards….but i may be wrong.
Thanks for the lifeline. So much prep is un-noticed or appreciated by we who rely on T V and Radio and yet praise and bag and coach away from a distance.Such is our right I spose?.
Much appreciated analysis.
Thanks Bega. I’m looking forward to reporting on an increased footy component in training over the coming weeks.
Hi Sixties,
Thanks for the update again. Has Alvaros body shape changed from 2019?
Do you see much difference in the way we are defending this season to last? As in communication; techniques and loading off attackers?
Alvaro looks leaner than last year Milo. I’d prefer to wait for more opposed sessions before offering an opinion on defence.
Ok thanks for the reply mate. Just away for 2 wks down in Hobart. He looks leaner in the pics.
Cadbury being smashed?
Ha she is not happy as no Caramilk! But she has found a replica one. Shame they don’t do tours anymore…..
Is Danny Levi at training?
Should he be?
Hey legend ,
Great catching up with your and a few other boys namely rowdy and parrathruandthru . Great boys enjoyed the footy banter . You sixties – your a legend !
After watching the Wednesday session , I was most impressed with Ryan Materson and waqa Blake , both players were doing extras in rehab but looked chiseled man mountains . Expecting big seasons from both of them.
Still feel that we are a player short . Hooker needs depth but with Brock Lamb moving on again we need to get someone in there . Could go a lot worse than snapping up Levi or lichea .
Obvious is hooker The no 1 priority but Maybe another hard arse edge runner or speedy utility , ie. Watson from knights if he was released.
Having two edge runners who will
Bend the line every runner and brillant outside backs makes us very dangerous
Maybe the deck chairs are about to move again with Mitchell moving to play with the bunny’s,
See Monday mate and thanks for you and boys making my so welcome , hope i didn’t talk the ears off you all lol
Where did Brock Lamb move to. He sounded quite optimistic in the video on the Parramatta site.
No official announcement yet but his move has been reported.
Cheers Paul, it was great to meet you too. Whenever we get a big roll up there’s plenty of yarns told and lots of reminiscing about footy. I wouldn’t be surprised if they give Davies the chance to be that utility player, but making another signing to fill an open roster spot is not out of the realms of possibility.
See you this week mate.
Sixties what I like about this post is what the heading is about
The Prince, The King and the immortal. Two young players and one of the smartest tactical players to play the game passing on his knowledge to them and others in the squad.
I like it because the club can see that it is quickly reaching a point where they will improve organically into the future rather than blowing big chunks of cap on star players
They will grow organically in that players like MM and Gutho will continue to get better from here as they gain experience as senior players
The club will grow organically as it refines it’s systems which will materialise as better coaching, better recruitment and better club management.
This will show up as sponsors wanting to be a part of the action, players wanting to come here and coaches eager to join and learn.
John, good post indeed. I certainly hope that the club being in the position it is in now regarding players has got itself across the crossroads aspect. While I believe that the eels can start really becoming the development club that Bernie had in mind, and not have to chase a lot externally.
There will be key areas where it could very well mean that an import may not be required as the local player can provide for that positions need. In that area, I would see the biggest possible position to be filled is with a high level recruiting scout/development officer.
Colin if you look at the Roosters. They are in a sense the model for the Development Club.
They have spent big in the past. Think Cronk and Tedesco. But they were brought for a reason.
They have recently ditched one of the best players in the game, Mitchell but are looking for someone from within their system to replace him. Not going for a like for like replacement
Storm are the same how long since they paid big money for an import. What doesn’t come through their system they top up with cheapies. With Smiths imminent retirement they may have to splash out on a half
What we will have to get used to is losing some that we have grown fond of. Stefano is an example of that
Perfectly stated John. 👍👍👍