It was a toss of a coin for the biggest news to emerge from Eels training today.
Was it the arrival of recent recruits or the potential dethroning of a reigning monarch?
Let’s begin with the first sighting of Bailey Simonsson and Ofahiki Ogden at the Kellyville training track. Both made an impression.
Oggy Mark 2 looks every bit of his 192cm, 106kg frame. To be honest, I reckon he has to come in above that listed weight. Standing amongst the Eels middle forwards, he looked to be one of the biggest.
Simonsson and Russell battle it out
Bailey Simonsson made an immediate statement from literally his first set of runs. The former Canberra winger has arrived in prime condition and his pace and stamina caught everyone’s attention.
The first half of the morning was conducted by Trent Elkin. Apart from a brief period of working through unopposed sets, there was no shortage of running.
Live GPS data provided immediate feedback for Elkin. It was also interesting to observe the big blokes like Dave Hollis, Makahesi Makatoa and Isaiah Papali’i check in with sports scientist Tahleya Eggers to get their performance results.
As mentioned earlier, Simonsson looked absolutely outstanding. He led home nearly every run, with his early acceleration getting him to the front of the pack.
The other back to shine was Sean Russell. The arrival of Simonsson challenges Russell’s claim to a wing spot, but the early indications are that the Eels junior won’t give up his opportunity without a fight.
Towards the end of the conditioning work we got a glimpse of who the fastest young Eel might be.
Sprinting over a distance which was close to 100 metres (maybe a bit longer), Matt Komolafe just beat home Sean Russell, with Will Penisini right on their heels. I’m not sure why these fellas decided to test each other out in that particular run, but it was a timely result considering the topic was raised last week.
Stoney edges ahead
Just as compelling was the contest between Maka and Stoney. In one of the runs, the two cleared away from the group with big Makahesi striding out to the lead. Check out the form of Makatoa at top pace in the adjoining photo.
But just like he has all of this preseason, Mr 3:16 dug deep and lifted over the final 20 metres to reel Maka in. It’s like Stone has wound back the clock to his junior days as a centre.
The most interesting aspect of the morning was that Gutho didn’t dominate. Although the King finished in the first half dozen in most runs, it’s likely that the shorter distances didn’t suit. Gutherson normally finds a way to shine even over shorter runs given that the repetition of the sets adds the fatigue factor which is the King’s bread and butter. All that aside, I have a suspicion that it will be business as usual for any M runs this week.
This morning concluded with the first serious opposed work of the preseason.
Yes, BA!
There were limitations. The collisions were only at about 50% of normal NRL contact, and it was totally contrived. By that I mean, the teams were given a one set scenario. Each team received a set of six to either attack the line, or defend it. The roles were then reversed.
The Blue team attack from a scrum
However, the repetition of these scenarios allow the team to build combinations in attack and defence, in addition to executing some of the basic structures that they’ve been drilling.
How did they look?
A few passes hit the deck but overall they were reasonably sharp.
My highlights included the very solid dummy half service from both Mitch Rein and Brendan Hands. Jayden Yates was doing a bit of rehab today and Reed Mahoney won’t do contact work till the new year.
Matt Komolafe produced a terrific ankles tackle on Samuel Loizou to prevent a try and he and Solomone Naiduki had good moments of applying defensive pressure out wide.
I also noted Bailey Simonsson step off the right foot to cut in-field when he looked pinned on the sideline. The pace at which it was executed badly wrong footed a couple of defenders.
Mitch Rein (image courtesy of Bocko – Eels media)
The session wound up with sets of up/downs (Malcolms) and both BA and Trent Elkin called for extra sets after a couple of individuals were nailed for not being sharp enough. High standards there.
Before finishing this report, I’d like to make a quick observation regarding Mitch Rein.
The veteran dummy half was officially welcomed to the club this past weekend, and I believe that he will be a very good acquisition.
Rein is one of the fittest in the group, and places himself near the leaders in conditioning runs. Make no mistake, his dummy half skills are what you’d expect from a player with his wealth of experience.
He looks like a total professional.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Thanks again fellas, this is whetting the appetite.
Any sign/word of Curtis Scott?
Not yet.
I think the door has closed on that after his recent stalking charges I dare say no club would touch him now
I’m not so sure about that.
There’s no charges as far as I can see. Accusations only.
Wrong again
One of the most interesting reviews I’ve read in a long time. Well done 60s. I personally think the club has done a very good job of assembling some real depth in our club for 2022. I could pick two competitive nrl standard teams from what’s available. If we look at the team that nearly beat Penrith and compare to what we can field this year its a big improvement. Penisini, stoney, oregon, makatoa and Dylan will show marked improvement with this off season. Pics of Wiremu show him to be in tip top condition and still half an off season to go. Simmonson will be a revelation and can cover wing as well. We will also improve having Mahoney back in the team as the specialist hooker. I just hope that our trainers can tailor fitness so that we are in prime condition for the semis. Even if that means a slightly less fit team for the early rounds. Aside from the dogs I reckon parra have more upside in them than any other team. If we need to get in a good sports psychologist then I’m all for it. 2022 is ours if we want it bad enuff for each other. God bless you BA
Thanks Matthew. I seriously believe that the team will be stronger in 2022 than 2021.
Me too…Can’t wait for kick-off…I think the squad is a LOT STRONGER for next season (2022). All the doom and gloom about 2023 needs to put on the back burner..lets just play what’s in front of us….
100% Pete.
Well said mate , exactly how I feel about it
My memory is that we got a Sport motivator in at the back end of the 2021 season.
We brought someone in earlier.
Ok , thx John, hope he or her a good one
Any updates on the junior reps/jersey flegg sides Sixties? I’ve heard they’re trialling this weekend?
Yes. Goulburn this Saturday.
Thanks again Sixties,
Great to read about the younger brigade coming up and their level of competitiveness, and the photo of Stone and Maka is terrific to see. I believe Maka could be v useful and i hope he comes on as experienced guys who have taken time to come on can bear fruit.
Good point about Rein he is a proven NRL player and will bring his knowledge.
Milo, Maka will have an outstanding 2022.
Ok cheers, I will be viewing this even from the Old Dart, and no doubt he will. As Gary below asked it will be good to see Hollis come on as well.
Whats Hollis looking like? Has be bulked up and looking fit?
Dave has always been a big unit. I reckon they’d be quite happy with how his conditioning is progressing. In my opinion, the bigger blokes start to shine when we get the full contact opposed work.
Great write up, sixties. Thanks.
Wondering what position / likelihood of a spot Matt Komolafe is? Noticed you’ve mentioned him a few times, sounds like a talent.
Thanks again.
Thanks Nightmare. Winger. I’d suggest he’d be looking at consolidating a spot at NSW Cup level in 2022. He would still be eligible for Flegg but this is his second preseason so he’d want more time in a senior grade.
Ok awesome, sounds like one to keep an eye on. Especially with that kind of speed already. Thanks for the reply, Sixties – appreciated.
I would be quite happy to start Rein in front of Reed at this point and only use Mahoney if injury occurs. I can’t see the point in persisting with someone who has decided his future lies elsewhere.
It also sends a message to players that if they sign elsewhere 12 months in advance they will spend a season in reserve grade.
Our main goal is to win the comp next season, if Reed is our best player in that position why would we weaken our chances of winning the comp?
I believe he will select Reed – unless Reed’s form doesn’t warrant it or Rein’s form is better than Reed’s.
Because I think the whole situation is going to be a distraction the team doesn’t need. If Reed plays well the media will be going on about how on Earth could the club let him go. If he’s playing ordinary it will be because he’s distracted.
I guess it depends on the individual Clive. Remember the focus and pressure on Burton and Penrith at the start of 2021? He wasn’t originally selected in the NRL and the Dogs sought an early release. The media focussed on it but the Riff said he was important to the squad and he found himself at centre. That was a major success story. And if Reed struggles there are alternatives.
The media will write whatever they want to write. At this point anyone who listens/reads/watches mainstream NRL media deserves what they get
Whilst I get the intent, you’ve got to field your best team on the park. There’s no room for spite. If we have a better chance at a premiership with Reed in the 9, then he is in the 9.
In 2023 he’s definitely off the Christmas card list though.
Clive leaving Mahoney in NSW Cup is like cutting your nose off to spite your face.
If BA believes Mahoney is in his best 17 he has to pick him.
Our goal at this point is to win the 2022 GF. Mahoney would be a part of that.
I guess I type slower than everybody else
Clive, I expect BA to do what will give us the best chance of winning in 2022, which would mean picking the best available 17.
Who is Stoney?
Thought he went to Qld?
Many of those names are unknown to many of us.
Why not give us a short bio on anyone who has not played first grade with us yet?
It would be appreciated I’m sure.
Thanks for your reply Archie. Who are you unfamiliar with? My first report of the preseason provided details on the new arrivals and apart from that, the other players have been in the system and many completed the preseason last year and had exposure at NSW Cup and even NRL level. I’m happy to answer about specific players.
Sixties, I’m totally lazy (hopeless maybe) on a keyboard, but the reference point that sticks in my mind is that Penrith game where Will Smith captained and a pile of young blokes were given a run in NRL. They’re the names I’d look up first, I might do that on a rainy day.
Might add in that game while smith gave his all he played totally for himself and denied those up and comers aa lot of chances they could have worked better than he did !
With respect Archie, this is exactly why the rubbish written by media journos can cause so much angst in the fan base. Stoney is Ray Stone, relatively regular in our top 21 over the past 2 years. Played 9 in our semi final against the panthers. Off to the Dolphins in 2023 when they are the new team in the comp. It’s not that hard to be more in the loop when you chose credible sources to get your info from.
There’s a new kid in town…..Every body talkin about the new kid in town
He’ll be no Johnny Come Lately.
We have seriously one of the best teams in 2022. Forget 2023 debacle, we go all in for next year. Hard pressed to name a team that has significantly improved talent wise in top 4 and the bottom 4 have a lot of ground to make up. Consistent , tough footy using the speed we have out wide and we can really make serious damage in the top 4. Great write up as usual by you mate.
PT , I fully agree and for mine guys like Makatoa and Wiremu are similar to new signings given they only got a taste last year and will develop nicely over this pre season.