Is there anything in rugby league more beautiful than watching the big blokes ripping it up on the footy field?
Though the aforementioned question is, in my mind, rhetorical, I’d have no shortage of punters echoing my sentiments based on the impact of Junior and Marata today.
More on that later as there are two sessions to detail here.
Reporting for duty on Australia Day wasn’t too tough on the players, even in the uncomfortably warm conditions. After a long weekend away from Kellyville, the squad were asked to front on the public holiday for a light skills session
The work began with red zone attack and defence. The group was split into two teams, with established players split between the teams. A range of set plays were then thrown at the line.
Should I cheer for the attack or the defence? Without doubt I’d want the defence to read the play and shut down whatever’s thrown at them, but similarly, when the squad is also working on the attack, I’d hope to see some tries scored.
The line was crossed a handful of times, but overall the defence looked to be in control.
What would please the coaches?
I’d imagine that they would have been looking at the execution and decision making of the individuals and combinations. It’s times like these that a mic’d up coach would be ideal!
Bumpers up!
At this point the squad was split into forwards and backs, with Carr and Kidwell taking the pack through their paces and BA and Murf running the backs.
In keeping with the big man theme of this report, the forwards were working closer to my vantage point, and their scaffolded drills began with carrying the ball into contact and concluded with engaging defenders and linking with supports.
At the far end of the field, the fleet-footed brigade looked to be working on late tackle count options in addition to the back three fielding and returning kicks.
After not much longer than an hour, and some kicking practice for Gutho and Moses, the session was wrapping up. Wednesday would be a bigger ask.
How different the passage of 24 hours was for Sydney’s weather. Tuesday’s heat gave way to cool and overcast conditions – much kinder for the players, not to mention this observer.
The on-field work commenced under the control of Trent Elkin. As the squad ran multiple sets over various shorter distances, there were some notable observations.
Chase hard!
In his group, the King again set the standard, but did Mitch Moses suggest that Fergo could run him down? It was a reasonable call as the big winger kept on his captain’s heels during each run. Yet as the duel unfolded, I’m fairly sure that it was one of the younger brigade who ran past both and lowered the King’s colours.
Others to impress during the conditioning component were Isaiah Papali’i, Ray Stone, Dylan Brown and Jake Arthur. I’ve mentioned this before, but big Dave Hollis also has a good turn of pace over shorter distances.
Of course, all of this was merely the prelude to a ripper 13 on 13 opposed.
The simplest descriptor for what I witnessed was “high energy”, and when Nathan Brown cleaned up Bryce Cartwright with a superb hit we knew that statements were about to be made.
Enter Junior and Marata.
The ball about to clear the ruck
This was classic Niukore today. Charging into the defence, the powerful Kiwi was inflicting his share of bruises on the opposition. One particular carry left two defenders the worse for wear as he hit open spaces. Niukore eventually added the exclamation mark with a barnstorming try, cutting back to catch defenders on the wrong foot as he crashed across the line.
Not to be outdone, Junz added his frame into the mix. Not that he’s of quite the same dimensions as previous years.
I doubt that I’ve ever seen Junior Paulo looking so fit. Reportedly down to 115kg, the Eels Origin star has trimmed down, but let me paint a frightening vision for opposition teams.
This faster, more mobile Paulo, still has a mass which keeps him in the heavyweight class. Today he provided a number of examples of the threat that his increased mobility will present. His step and acceleration at the line challenged the defence, along with the second phase play which he can generate from it.
It was this capacity to offload that created the try of the session. Seemingly wrapped up in the tackle in the red zone, the big prop somehow managed to slip the perfect pass for Reed Mahoney to cross the stripe. Sounds familiar?
What about out wide? Sivo fans would have been very pleased with his carries this morning. In one kick return he accelerated then swerved as the chasers approached, and as they struggled to get hold of him he slipped the ball to a support runner who broke downfield.
I was especially pleased with the work of both spines. It comes as no surprise to regular readers that I will continue to single out Roache and tip him to force a place in the Eels team.
Let me also recommend that supporters catch as much of our younger pathways players in the lower grades as they can this year. In this session, Jake Arthur’s game management was near impeccable and well beyond his years. His peers in this squad are also benefiting from this preseason and represent the future of the club.
More on them to come soon.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Another awesome report that is wetting the appetite….
Loving the reports Sixties. How did Carty react to getting smashed??
Good question
Carty got to his feet and played the ball, then got in position for the next play. Hit would have killed me
and me!!!
lol
It would seem from your reports that Hollis is in front of Sam Hughes in the pecking order.
And, would Roache as a development player make the bench?
Any thoughts on Sivo’s agent chasing other clubs. Does loyalty mean anything with this guy. I hope Sivo remembers what club gave him his big break.
I would rather Sivo than Fergo.
Looking forward to Maranta’s return, will be against the Broncos?
I’m looking forward to watching Hollis play this year after the minimal opportunities presented in 2020.
Sivo? It doesn’t worry me. His form this year is all I’m worried about. It’s his agent’s job to sound out the market. His form, & his desire to stay will ultimately affect our offer. I won’t judge until all of these unknowns become known.
Roache would need to be upgraded if we wanted to play him in the first half of the season – unless we lost both Mahoney and Lussick.
Marata is not available until Round 2.
Does a trial match still count towards any suspension?
Well said sixties .his agents is fishing around but Sivo’s priorities is to stay with parra
love your work Craig.
cheers mate
It will be interesting watching the lightweight Jr this season. I think it will be a great experiment.
The more I think about the makeup of the team for the coming season the more confused I get. I think that that there is more genuine chances for the 17 than I can remember.
Marata is a player who at his best looks lethal. I have always enjoyed watching him play. If he can have a big year after returning from suspension I think it gives us a real edge in the forwards off the bench. Based on your comments sixties it would seem he will play most of his football in the middle.
Glad to see you on board with Nathaniel Roache. As I have said a few times if they can get him fit and healthy he will make a great 14.
We have always been huge fans of Marata. I hope Marata himself understands how good he can be. We have some back row options fighting for spots, and though Marata could play there, he’s now very much a middle. Roache looks to be in terrific shape.
I think Marata will have a HUGE season. I like watching him play
Great report again. Sounds like the big boys are already ripping in. I think this could be a big year for Marata – he was very good last year. I think the only forward I haven’t heard you mention often is Shaun Lane. Is he looking ready to go, or being shaded by the others ?
Fair call. I think that Lane has been solid and if anything is fitter than last year. Even though Parra improved last year, Lane would admit that he didn’t hit the heights that he did in 2019. It will be an important season for him.
I haven’t commented lately Sixties, but that doesn’t mean I don’t read everyone of your reports. Keep the great stuff coming big fella. Vince
You’re welcome Vince.
Hi El Patron mr Mexico
Hey Mikey
There was a story online about Jnr,and how fit he is looking,unfortunately it was a Telegraph story so Couldn’t access it,scary to think he could get any better.I am excited about the prospect of Hollis getting a run,I have been watching him play since he was three foot tall ,now hes almost 7foot and ready for the big league,and yes has always run like an ostrich.
Eggman, Junior is one of those unique players who can turn a game. He’s a genuine X- factor in my opinion.
Great read again Sixties, thank you. How do you compare the team / squad from this time last season? Stronger? Etc.
Milo, I believe that our forward depth is stronger, and our backs remain a slight unknown. I’m also waiting until our squad is finalised before making that call.
Junior like a third playmaker for us. First time comment long time reader, read religiously.
Cheers mate. Glad you decided to reply. He has many of the skills of a playmaker – passing, straightening the attack, even a kicking game. I’m tipping a huge year.
Thanks for the reports, sixties. Enjoying them and can’t wait for the trials. Niukore is my fave Eels player. He tries hard, is an angry mofo and does exactly what is asked of him. Kaufusi however, I’m at a loss to see what he has to offer. Only my opinion.
Anon , my take on oregon is that he may be a classic example of how the modern junior is coached to be a machine , young pollys are very compliant , they get drilled to be as mistake free as possible and sometimes i think this subconsciously inhibits them, im no expert , but then again ive probably watched 3000 plus games of league, but i would like to see him play a few games with longer minutes and instructions to rip and tear without to much fear of being dropped. Sometimes these young guys are only getting small minutes and they dont get the opportunity to get into the game and show their wares.
Matthew, I’ve had the opportunity to watch Oregon play and train quite a bit. I’ve also spoken with him a few times. He’s a very humble bloke and I’m not sure that he realises how good he can be. As for minutes, if BA doesn’t want to give him longer NRL minutes, he needs some longer minutes in NSW Cup instead of very short minutes in NRL. That said, I have no problem with how BA structures that intro for young forwards. After he did that with Marata (and I was campaigning for Marata to get an NRL start in his first season) I spoke to Marata about his introduction. He said he was glad that BA didn’t start him earlier in NRL because he wasn’t ready, and then when he did start, he said it was so fast that he needed that gradual increase in minutes.
Thanks for the detail craig. Im glad you like the look of him this year. I guess they know what their doing. Would be gr8 to see him do well
Indeed mate.
Sixties, it is a bit like the story of the old bull and young bull….walking down to the paddock.
Not familiar with that one Milo???
Will have to verbally tell
Didn’t the young bull want to run. However the old bull told him to walk!
Thats the mildest & shortest version of that story I have heard John
I don’t think Sixties would be too happy with me if I gave him the full version
I would tend to agree John. The youngun was keen but not so wise but dad was also keen but had much more wisdom in the job at hand, sorta fits in doesn’t with sixties and his replies to some posters.
John, yes. The young bull wanted to run and rush etc….the old bull suggested to take his time over the entire herd!!
That is wisdom with that statement from Maranta.
Some of these young bulls are so anxious to showcase their talents and toughness that it gives them a false sense of security.
Remember Hass’ first game and he got it hit and did his shoulder. I think that finished him for a while.
It’s different with the backs – not quite involved with the action.
Hollis seems to be training well and may be catching BA’s attention but, hold him back. Same with Sam Hughes.
As for Oregon I think he is ready for more responsibility, therefore minutes.
That BA got the bench rotation wrong last year with respite times Oregon can be a solid back up.
He does have a good family pedigree in the game.
Forwards win the tough games, they make the backs look pretty.
Anon, I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Oregon as yet. I’ve liked his preseason so far. He’s super fit and has had some interesting moments in opposed – offloading to runners as he hits the line. He’d probably agree that he needs to eliminate some handling errors that have crept into his game. I’ve followed him through his pathways journey and am keen to see him succeed.
Any signs the coaching staff are dealing specifically with ruck infringements and the 6 again penalties Craig?
Junior slimming down seems a logical step in dealing with the continuous play. I’m wondering how comfortably he can hold that weight.
There is always an emphasis on minimising penalties – not that consistency with officiating can truly be achieved. As for Junior, his weight has dropped each season. It looks like he is enjoying his lighter frame – not that 115kg is small.
Thanks for the updates sixties. After seeing on twitter the boys were training and that you were there on Aussie Day, I was looking forward to an update.
I have noticed a theme this pre-season around the composure of Jake Arthur. Anyone whom has followed my posts on this great website will know that I keep harping about the halves needing to have composure. Whilst I have seen a game or two of Jake playing in the havles, I thought he was too tall or too skinny. But you article today resonated with me when for about the 4th post in a row you mention Jake’s composure…..it reminded me of this great video that BA allowed……https://www.foxsports.com.au/video/league/nrl/micd-up-ba-rides-eels-win!746564…..if you go to the 2.30 min mark and watch till about 2.50, I believe this is where we already see the young JayA showing composure and know what is going on….BA is showed up and he even acknowledges the kid has a calm head. Whilst being skeptical initially of JayA, I really believe this kid is the real deal and cannot wait for him to come into the team.
I really rate Jake. He’s smart, skilled, composed, and tough. When you watch training, and games, you hear players get angry with themselves for errors or poor executions. He doesn’t. He just reloads for the next play, the next kick, the next pass etc. He takes the heavy shots in opposed sessions and the big forwards don’t hold back because he’s BA’s son. I saw one of the forwards absolutely smash him one day, and BA immediately praised the hit. That said, they won’t rush him. He’s young and his frame is still growing. He will play when he’s physically able to take the shots for 80 minutes at NRL level, not before. Whether there’s a weight goal, a match time at CC level goal, I couldn’t say. There are always unknowns about a player until they debut. Most don’t get that far. Patience is a virtue 😁
Can JA play centre?
Wack about 20kg on him and play him left centre?
Rowdy I rate him as a composed organiser and that’s his key strength.
A point well and truly re-iterated on here by yourself Sixties. How about my attempt at mirth? with a vague injection of possibility on the periphery of reality to give some minor credence to the folly. I could have given some comparisons with quite talented young string-beans killing it at other clubs playing at centre, like Campbell Graham and Adam Douhi although these two are probably more suited closer to the ruck eventually.
Hey mate
Another top quality review of training . How is that young centre Pensini looking ? Watched bit of YouTube footage and he looks very much a Michael Jennings clone .
How is RCG looking this year ? The picture of Junior in today’s telegraph was inspiring. I think that Is perfect weight for him,
Any train and trial players ? Usually get one that does it the hard way ….
Hope to see you next week legend !
Hey mate, look forward to catching up. That YouTube vision is a fair indication of his talent. I’ve deliberately not been reporting on him and his younger peers during this preseason as I don’t want to load up on expectations. I’ve only mentioned Jake because he’d already been the subject of media coverage about doing the NRL preseason and as the coach’s son he won’t be able to escape scrutiny, so he may as well get used to it. What I can say is that the young blokes have done themselves proud over this summer.
Always a good read Sixties, really made my morning.
I gather Jake Arthur trains in the halves ? 6 or 7.
also wow in one of the younger brigade more than matching the King. maybe a new king or prince hey 😀
thank you Cumberland throw.
Cheers Mikey. Trains at 7. When it comes to the King, someone might get him on a single run, but nobody has ever backed it up. He still rules, but it’s good to see others believing they can take him.
Great blog enjoying the eels training insight!
Cheers Sneaky.
Best Eels site ever. Number 1
Thanks mate – I could be corny and say to the toppermost of the poppermost but the other fellas would sledge me too much.
Another great read sixties. Junior’s weight loss will have a double whammy…addresses the faster game, but a pick up in his 1%ers will round off his game nicely. Christian Welch is the 1%er standard in props…fast, furious and focussed, but Junior has him covered in most other aspects.
Love the reports but if I’m honest I’m finding it hard to get excited for this year
Last year in my opinion was a very disappointing season i don’t care about the top 4 finish the finals obviously were a gut punch but that last 8 weeks of average footy really stripped any sense of excitement about our potential to win the comp.
Hopefully we have made improvements in the right areas to really turn things around.
Thanks again for another instalment. Love reading your reports to enable us to keep up with the team when we don’t have the opportunity to be there. Much appreciated 💙💛
Sixties, can you tell us how young Penisini is going? Any chances of capturing a centre’s spot?
Any update on young Sam Hughes. Barely a mention of him all preseason. Injured? Off the pace? What’s the go?
Yep, I was under the impression that Hughs was in front of Hollis based on last year’s training squad. Has Hollis jumped Hughs, ?
Also noticed plenty of Hollis in the training pics.