The intensity meter remained on high at Kellyville this morning as the Eels completed their final Friday session of 2021.

A members open training event is scheduled for Monday, but if the coaches wanted to wind up the year with a physical session, then this one certainly fitted the bill.

Early clues provided the spoiler for what was in store. The first was the arrival of NRL referees. Not long after, the appearance of players in either Blue or White jerseys confirmed that a solid opposed session had been planned.

The conditioning component remained front and centre with M runs interspersed with the footy and ensuring a level of fatigue – something that’s typical of every preseason.

But something atypical occurred.

Earlier this week, when players took the King over shorter distances, I suggested that it would be normal programming come M runs on Friday. But despite Gutho’s best efforts, he might be stepping down as the ruler on the training track.

Over an entertaining couple of hours the highlights included:

Jordan Rankin

* Jake Arthur beating home Clint Gutherson in all but one M run. Gutho tried to break him but Jake reeled him in over the last 100 metres each time

* Dylan Brown, Haze Dunster, Brendan Hands, Sam Loizou, Jordan Rankin and Ray Stone all finished amongst the leaders in their M run groups

* Good service from Rein and Hands

* Both dummy halves testing the goal line defence with sharp darts from a few metres out

* Terrific defensive play from Tom Opacic to bundle an elusive Solomone Naiduki into touch close to the line

* A powerful hit up from Ogden proving that he’ll be a handful for defences

* Marata filling in at centre and diving on a perfectly weighted Moses kick to score a try

* Samuel Loizou cutting infield off his right foot to beat several defenders after a superb cut out pass from Jake Arthur

Matto

* A near unstoppable surge by Matto that finished just shy of the line

* An impressive defensive read from Simonsson to prevent a near certain try

* Luca Moretti’s fearless charge into the defence, legs pumping as contact was made. The defenders did well to hold him out.

* A brilliant pass from Perham to Simonsson which sent him on an untouched run to the line. 

* A bruising shot from Ice, Greig and Kaufusi on Matto as he attempted a repeat of his earlier charge

Given that every Friday session has dedicated significant time to tackle techniques and defensive systems, I’d suggest that the focus was defence. The rallying calls seemed to back that up and on balance defence won the day. 

The movement of the middles and the edges seemed to close down the time available for the playmakers. The pressure applied caused a few passes to miss their mark. I’d be slightly disappointed in the attack if the focus wasn’t on the defence. Communication in the line was good and the collisions were not far off match level contact.

As usual, the session concluded with extras. This was the first time that I had observed Michael Ennis providing individual mentoring for players.

It will be interesting to see the influence of his work throughout the season.

Special Farewell

Mick Obodin

Today was the final session for operations assistant, Mick Obodin. Mick played footy with BA back in his Cairns Brothers days and has been a tireless worker during his time at the Eels.

One of my favourite memories of Mick was from Eels training last year when Mick was sparring with Marata Niukore.

Unfortunately for Mick, Marata found a way through his defences to put a bit of chin music on him. No damage was done and there were laughs and cheers to go with the moment.

My thanks to Mick for his support over the years and for making TCT feel welcome at Eels training.

Mick is returning to Queensland and we wish him well.

Eels forever!

Sixties

Photos of Jordan Rankin and Ryan Matterson courtesy of Bocko, Eels media

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