Parra’s preseason is now getting real.
I apologise to any players who might question how the kilometres in their legs don’t count, but when the sessions start to include serious opposed work, it’s game on for me.
Call it my footy fix – a way of navigating the summer months.
Monday provided an entree, and though today wasn’t really a main course, there was enough contact, and enough mix of structured and unstructured play to whet the appetite for the new year.
Big Mack (image Bocko, Eels media)
The positive vibe for the morning had been established by a battle of the submission holds between Mr 3:16 and The Big Mack. Visualise Jim Ross calling the leg locks, arm bars and suplexes on display. With neither tapping out, the two combatants called a truce with a hug. Go with the people’s elbow next time fellas.
Soon after the warm up, the fun continued via acceleration drills. Special guest judge Mick Obodin was calling the results amidst plenty of banter. These blokes love to compete or to rip into certain mates about their performances. Shout out to Ice, Stoney, Matto, Hayze Perham and Sam Loizou who had the measure of the opponents in their groups.
Footy then took over as the squad alternated between games of two hand touch and what was very close to full contact opposed. I should mention that Trent Elkin found a collection of Eels middles (along with Reed Mahoney) to sprint up the spectator hill during the games.
The two hand touch produced its share of long distance tries. Everyone enjoys watching a big middle forward in open spaces – think Reg vs Tigers. Spectators at Kellyville this morning would have been delighted to see Maka sprint away for a 70 metre solo try. I’m positive there was even a goose step to get him into the clear.
Once again Bailey Simonsson provided a couple of highlights during the opposed work.
In one run he seemed pinned to the sideline, with renowned defender Dylan Brown ready to take him down. A powerful fend on Dylbags then set up an infield run that had the former Raider ducking and weaving his way for a further 20 metres.
Later, Simonsson converted the Blue team’s territorial advantage with a superb try.
Caleb Tohi (image Bocko Eels media)
The side had marched downfield via two clever offloads, one from Bryce Cartwright and the other by Caleb Tohi. When the play shifted to the right, Mitch Moses created space for Simonsson to successfully get on the outside of his man. Three defenders then converged in cover, but in a show of strength, the winger’s leg drive carried the three across the line and in good position to ground the ball.
Not long afterwards, Jake Arthur manufactured a smart reply for the Red team. The tall half executed a sublime chip over the defence, with the bounce landing perfectly for the chasing Gutho, before Tom Opacic backed up for the run to the line. Terrific stuff!
The last period of opposed work was played on the lower field, making it difficult to provide accurate observations. However, the support play of Gutherson, and a number of clever offloads, produced about three or four line breaks.
From a defence perspective, I’ll isolate a hit on Wiremu Greig as my highlight. The powerful prop looked near impossible to stop as he crashed into the defence about five metres out from the try line. Unfortunately for him, his opposites in the middle not only connected hard on the line, they then drove him backwards about a further five metres. It drew immediate praise from Gutho.
There are now only two field sessions left before the Christmas break – the regular Friday run and Monday’s Open session for Members.
See you then.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Any news on Maika sivo injury?
No. It’s a long journey for that type of injury
Sounds like Bailey is making an immediate impression, great to read. I think he’ll thrive on our RHS outside of Mitch and Will
I believe so too Ham.
Sivo might have a struggle to get his position back next season. Maybe we should put a little bet on Bailey Simonsson to be 2022 top tryscorer 😉 thanks for the update and Go Parra!!!
Not a bad option at all
Great stuff sixties.
Many years back I had a game as a prop at the Richie Benaut oval, it was the first and only game, got sent off in second ruck.
Reading and watching these reports, makes me wonder about the mentality of RL players of spread ages, they are or have to be insane, me, I’m mental in other areas but thankfully at my age, its not a worry to me either, rather watch players being all but ready for the mad house even in training sessions, let them take it to each other, the more the madness the better the spectator.
I guess they may start to be serious next year after some Pudding at Christmas lunch.
It’s a short Christmas break Colin so not too much pudding.
By the way, never envisaged you as the type to be sent off!
I had to play so my dad would take me to the Royal Easter Show, I was overweight but selected for a prop, first scrum came and ball rolled in, I was the outside prop, with eye’s on the ball and ready to ruck it back, I long arm and fist came up from the other sides prop, they won the scrum, I watched the next scrum and saw the fist getting ready and as it started I was quicker and got him on his chin, whistle blast from Ref and the words your off,
All at the rich old age of 13, my dad was happy that I at least played, promises kept from both of us. Never liked the Rah Rahs anyway.
So just a quick question is the squad finalised ?
Very close I’d think
Any news on RCG, Junior and Browny? Our main forwards seem allergic to getting caught on camera and put in a highlights reel/ training photos reel by Bocko
Seen RCG and Junior in a number of photos, Browny is still recovering from surgery and should be back sometime in January.
Indeed Derek. Given he needed two operations it will be quite a rehab
Brown has rehab to do. RCG and Junior have been there. But remember, they are only a couple of weeks into their preseason
Thanks for the detailed descriptions Sixties, I can almost see the movement in my mind. Makes me miss the footy even more in some ways but better than no action at all.
Cheers Trouser. It was good to watch today
Sixties great read. Are you hearing about miako sivo not activating his po. I’m hear he will see out 2022 then look to France to play.
Let’s hope so I’d be happy if he left tomorrow
Rev it was part of an article in Fox this morning that he is considering dropping his PO for season 2023. Thing to consider is how long he’s likely to be out next year, season 2022. Either way. I think he will need almost a full season to get his injuries fully fixed.
Colin, I do agree that it will take some time to be back to match fitness
Where are you hearing that Rev?
I seem to remember that during the Jack Gibson era at Parramatta he divided the playing group into three “teams” with the likes of Edge, Price and Cronin as leaders of each team. They would compete against each other in training drills, fitness tests etc and points were allocated and prizes and awards given. This system built up a tremendous sense of competitiveness but also comraderie.
Have you witnessed anything along these lines?
Not exactly like that, as it is a full time squad with some trialists. But it does get competitive when they split into teams for games and drills, mostly because Moses and Gutho often seem to end up in opposing teams.
Hey sixties long time reader love your work thanks
Has paul McGregor and Ennis been at training
Cheers Brendon. I’ve linked an early report where I had the chance to speak with McGregor – great bloke.
https://thecumberlandthrow.com/2021/11/19/eels-preseason-training-november-19-2021-contact/
And yes, Ennis has also been there.