Welcome to the first Eels preseason training report of the 2022 calendar year. If it’s felt like an eternity since the last report, that’s because there’s been more than three weeks between my posts.
The sessions held before Christmas are always a small window as to what might lay in store for our team in the coming season, and as we hit January the lens gets a little sharper. Essentially, the countdown to kick off begins.
Normally we see an increase in intensity during opposed sessions as players push for Round 1 selection, and I become more confident in predicting who will have a big year. It shouldn’t be anything too different in 2022.
However, the elephant in the room remains Covid. All NRL clubs are feeling the impact to varying degrees. There were absentees from the main field today, but given that there was a rehab group on the other field, and players on bikes on the verandah (including Nathan Brown), I wouldn’t begin to speculate about the reasons for absences this morning.
The King
Even with reduced numbers it was a typical Monday – equal parts conditioning and footy.
In outlining today’s work, Trent Elkin told the group that he was stepping things up a bit and that they should expect to feel it. I’d suggest that he brought that tip to fruition.
There was no shortage of effort on effort in the repeated runs, with goals set for the level of output for each player. Sports science has created the “nowhere to hide” scenario in NRL training, with GPS monitors providing instant feedback for staff and players alike.
Today, Gutho was a constant driving force, urging players to push themselves to be their best. He also reminded the squad that their effort at the end of a run was critical, just like their efforts under fatigue in a game. Elkin later offered his own take, stating that if he wanted effort over a shorter distance, he’d set a shorter distance.
Dave Hollis
The captain led home every run, with Jake Arthur, Mitch Moses and Sam Loizou pushing up just behind him. As far as the forwards were concerned, it was Ice, Reed and Dave Hollis setting the standards.
In the back half of the session, the focus shifted to footy. It was a mixture of unopposed sets through to kicks, then left side vs right side opposed work.
The most significant take from the morning was the return of Reed Mahoney. Prior to Christmas, the Eels dummy half was restricted to conditioning runs. He’s now firing those bullet passes during drills, albeit wearing an orange vest (no contact).
With the second field in play for the opposed work, it wasn’t easy to report on key moments for individuals. Although there’s none of the fencing that was in place during the 2020 Covid bubble, the fields remain roped off as they were for the members Christmas session, with spectators kept at a “safe” distance.
Mitch Moses with Matto
Even from such a poor vantage point, it was obvious that the contact was very solid. I was also impressed by the short passing in play. The forwards linked well, and the halves had support runners looking for passes, even in heavy defensive traffic.
Parra’s forwards are at their best when they play the power game, then find the right moments for an offload. The sideways stuff doesn’t work and today they remained positive in the collision.
From an individual player perspective, Mitch Moses gave the impression that he was “on” for a big effort . There seemed to be energy in everything he did from the conditioning to the footy. Whilst there was the typical banter between himself and Gutho, the livewire half was focussed and kept such moments to a minimum.
For Parra to be successful in 2022, we will require Moses to continue to play the career best footy that he played in 2021.
Bring on Wednesday.
Eels forever!
Sixties
(Report photos courtesy of Bocko, Eels media. Cover photo taken by my toaster)
Getting closer now, below 60 (pardon the pun) days before season kick-off. I recall reading that Fox is looking to telecast a vast majority of the trials so we will have Footy on the box in a matter of weeks.
Do we have 2 roster spots remaining? Only speculating but with Curtis Scott being formally charged you would think that signing is off and we may be looking elsewhere.
Dave Hollis looks a big unit, our point of difference this year will need to come from within, we need one of the youngsters to really shine. Penisini and …….?
Jimmy, I’d assume that a Curtis Scott contract with anyone wouldn’t be registered by the NRL, and by my count we have two spots open.
Besides Penisini, I reckon Jake Arthur will do very well when called upon. However, I’ll tip a forward to step up, and there will be a couple of candidates.
I think last year names were below photo of players,with all the new faces in the squad this year it would be good again
Colin, I have featured a few new faces in my reports so far and will try to cover all by end of the preseason.
You have more than enough on your plate. I m annoyed that A the parra eels website A) hasn’t updated player profiles and B ) got the hint to put names to faces with their training pics. It is after all a major sport.
100% on the faces to names part, always been lacking imo.
Totally agree. The Parra website is amateur hr.
right click on the photos and look to save it. It will be name as the player or their nick name
Wiremu
To be able to read something positive about the team we support is such a relief as the 2 main blogs have become so negative and glass empty , they are a shadow of what they once were.
The effort all players undertake this time of year certainly puts an emphasis on what they want to achieve. Look forward as always to the TCT updates, appreciate the time and effort that you undertake to keep us mere mortals up to date and in touch.
The COE certainly has made a mark in its footprint with the new fields, once the buildings and stands are in place it will certainly underline the progress the administration at senior level has done for the club for the players, staff and fans.
Too kind Derek. I’m looking forward to the new stand – watching training in comfort then. I’ll look to petition the club for a drinks service to go with it.
Welcome back sixties, looking forward to more reports.
And so the build up begins. Good to hear gutho is setting the std with challengers but Elkin is driving the the expectations.
Cheers DDay. I would suggest that the King is enjoying the challenges being thrown down. I find it interesting to hear Elkin speak to the group and set goals, then occasionally hear some of their GPS numbers against the goals.
It’s interesting that you finish by saying that Moses needs a career best season for the eels to be successful. I wait for the day when the media or fans say the same thing about Dylan Brown. Moses has had a couple of very good seasons and is in the top few halves imo. He’s also had to carry his halves partner for a few years now, direct the play, complete almost all the kicking in general play, then goal kick.
Im thinking it’s about time Brown reached that potential and paid the fans and club back that faith that’s been shown to him for a few years now with below par in return.
Anyway, thanks for the report 60’s, much appreciated mate.
Go you eels in 22!
Given we usually play split halves system, they don’t really carry the other. Moses kicks and directs play because he is the more experienced player. Brown will still be a few months shy of his 22nd birthday come round 1 and has just cracked 50 NRL games, Matty Johns has said that for the first 100 games a half is just surviving. Denan Kemp has also stated that for his age Dylan has a calm demeanour and a good attitude with defence, his attack will come.
And just because his “try assist” numbers are below average does not mean he isn’t involved, down that LHS he straightens up the attack. Case in point is the Dunster try vs Melbourne. Dyl gets the ball and because he straightens it up Hughes has to make the decision to turn into his inside shoulder which opens up Gutho sweeping around the back for the cut out to Dunster. He also catches himself drifting a bit sideways then eventually straightens up for the Joey Lussick try, once again he doesn’t get the numbers on the sheet as Cartwright delivers the pass leading to the line break.
For mine I’d like to see Dylan be more confident and quicker when he gets the ball. He’s extremely quick, surprisingly strong and is very agile. I’d love to see him get the ball a bit tighter to the ruck, using this agility to catch out bigger forwards on the retreat. This will come with age and experience, Moses was starting to do it last year at 26/27 and 150 NRL games. Things take time.
All excellent points Ham. Hope you’re doing well mate.
Yeah mate, getting better each day thanks
Good to know mate.
I like what you’ve written here Ham, although sometimes I think that statistics can do with more context and even a whole new perspective for the sake of greater clarity. For instance, Dylan often gets criticised for his lack of try assists. But what if somebody bothered to count his ‘try-assist, assists’ (obviously, a non-existent category right now)? Wouldn’t he figure more prominently among those? It seems there’s a fair bit of Dylan passing the ball on to Gutho, who in turn passes it on to Sivo happening down the left hand side. And it works a treat! Presumably if Dylan and Gutho swapped places once in a while on that left hand sweep it would still work out a treat!
Beyond that, most of us are locked into seeing the game through fixed paradigms. So if Dylan and Gutho were to never swap around, I guess that criticism of Dylan will carry on unabated even as the team continues to score points from its raids down the left hand side. I find a good deal of irony in this; I’m not sure how others feel.
It is a fair point Achilles as your context is all about combinations. I’m a massive fan of Dylan’s from that defensive stand point. A try saved is as good as one scored and Dylan shuts down countless line breaks as well as ensuring that few opportunities exist around him. That said, I agree with Ham about Dylan fully backing his pace, strength and evasiveness.
I was insinuating more beyond Dylan’s role within the team structure. However, I’ll leave you with this: If I’m reading things correctly, maybe to his critics Dylan is channelling too much of his inner Guitar George for their liking; that is, he knows all the chords though it’s strictly rhythm he doesn’t want to make it cry or sing.
Perhaps. Clever analogy
Yes, that speed thing with DBrown, he’s quick and tends to accelerate if he sees opportunity after receiving the ball. If you watch Luke Keary he hits the go button as the ball comes to him, his short side dashes always seem to create space somewhere. I suppose it’s a matter of style. Dylan gets half through gaps quite a lot.
He definitely does and maybe that does come down to when he presses the button.
Good point
He always seems to be standing still when he receives the ball – at least that is my memory , video replays may show different
I would just add that I think Brown was very good second half of last year and his attacking prowess was getting sharper. He seems to have a power band type speed , in other words he’s pretty quick off the mark but going from 2nd to 3rd gear he really motors. If u watch his career hilites package fans might be surprised how many trys he’s been involved in. I can’t recall seeing a more technically brilliant around the legs tackler than brown , it’s a scything action that cuts them down on the spot. Also he’s only in the last 12 months gotten over back growing pains. I think he’s poised for his best year yet, however we shouldn’t just expect it to happen.
I think many of us are guilty of huge expectations given his journey and his first season, Matt. Given he’s only 21, it’s probably been unfair.
V Panthers where he cut Korosau down a metre short under the posts then Moses wrapped around the front to halt momentum was absolute top level scramble and effort. 6 points in a game like that was worth 12. They were the only 2 there and executed perfectly.
Spot on
Grunta, I’m a big fan of Moses and should include the word “continue” before career best as I believe he did play career best last season. I simply say that because he is our X factor.
Fair enough mate. I respect the replies regarding Brown, but if a 6 has been playing top grade for several years now he needs to set up AND score tries. It’s great he can defend so well and that’d be great if he was playing at hooker or lock. The attitude of Moses having to run all the plays etc because he is the more experienced, really doesn’t sit well with me. Brown is playing in an attacking role / position, it’s time he lit up the competition and took a bit of pressure off Mitch. I do wonder what Kenny and Lewis think of Brown’s performance to date…
Let’s compare Dyl and Mitch at the same age and experience. Funnily enough Mitch came to us at a similar age to what Dyl is now. The criticisms of Mitch were almost the exact opposite to the criticisms you have of Dylan. He can’t defend, he doesn’t like the tough stuff, he can never be a great half unless he learns how to tackle, the players around him have to make up for his lack of defensive ability. With time, age, and experience he’s bettered his defensive game as well as his attack. With respect to Kenny and Lewis I couldn’t care less what they think of Dylan’s game. The only person who’s opinion matters is Brad Arthur.
Fair enough Ham.
I guess my most pertinent point is, if we are serious about winning a premiership, we need to compare Brown to the Panther’s number 6, or the likes of Keary etc. Part of any half’s job description is to set up plays and improvise (intelligently) during attacking raids, eyes up footy and I just don’t think Dylan does anywhere near enough of it which heaps pressure on Moses, not to mention the speculation and scrutiny. As I originally pointed out, to be successful this year, Brown needs to have the season of his life because we now know we’ll get plenty out of Moses who I believe can’t do much more than he has been.
Funnily enough, many must agree with my sentiments…
The DT is running a story today, “Time to deliver: the parramatta player who must step up”.
The article is referring to Brown.
Luai wasn’t a regular first grade player until the latter half of the year when he turned 22. It took him time to develop into the player he is. The daily telegraph posted an incorrect article about the contract situations of the Eels which was subsequently deleted, their opinion or what they choose to publish holds less weight than what Kenny and Lewis think of Brown.
Don’t care where or when Luai hit first grade, or at what age. It’s what he does for his team and halves partner and that’s a hell of a lot more than good defence, as Keary does also.
He needs to lift this year big time, particularly when others are pushing for his position. I still believe he’d make a better hooker, but that’s just my opinion of course.
The Tele is absolute trash, but they get things right on occasions and this is one of those occasions.
You got the Date wrong in headline.
BTW Hollis looks big.
🤣
Cheers Gary. Corrected.
No worries.
Give me your pick for a suprise forward to step up in 2 or 3 weeks time once you’ve seen a little more.
I hope Hands impresses also.
Luca Moretti. That’s an early call. I’ll reply again in three weeks if you remember to ask.
Wiremu Greig will be interesting. His dilemma, how do you put pressure on Paulo and RCG. Give it a red hot go son! Hollis has the same challenge.
There’s definitely bench spots up for grabs. If not this year, then definitely next
Luca the wild card!
Fair call
How many players missing due to Covid +
As I said in the report. There were players missing from the main field but still on site. How many are away due to Covid I have no idea.
Early Day, to say the least. Big thing for the club and players is to get jabbed, minimum 2 for starters and a booster for the 3rd.
Hollis looks quite fit and something of a developing boy, the last pic I saw of him, he was not as trim as shown in the pic, but that could be deceiving.
He looked very fit and strong today Colin.
I usually see Dave Hollis at xmas,not this year though. In the last year he looks to have grown and filled out considerably. Can’t wait to see him debut.
He has a big/height wise body, reminds me somewhat of an ex Eels player going back some years where the player in question had similar dimensions and red hair, didn’t go as well & ended up at North Sydney. One other player who was similar IIRC was Paul Mares. I have a good feeling though that Dave Hollis may fill his position very nicely.
Can’t agree with the comparison to the paul mares body composition but if he can get close to the impact mares gave he will be a gooden. Mares to me was more in the cast of Artie beetson, big hips and deceptively fast albeit in a lumbering way and just like Artie
Could at will pop a ball up for a fortuitous support player. Occasionally mares could put in an effective kick. Both were characters.
I’d probably compare Mares to a Feleti Mateo. Skill set especially.
He certainly seems broader in the chest/shoulders in these photos. No doubt a fair bit of time spent on the farm back home. He’s got a few in front of him but Big Dave will undoubtedly rip into the opposition after missing nearly 1.5 seasons of footy.
Same mate. He’s had too many footy interruptions over the last two seasons due to Covid shut downs. It must be frustrating for him.
Here’s a big expectation from Ky Rodwells mgr. He has had a good off season and we are hopeful he will start the season in the top 17.”
Can’t imagine that happening unless we have forwards out injured.
I think dunster will have a massive year
Based on last year, no argument.
Always great to get anything to do with parra, thank you for your reports.
Cheers Anon. Thanks for reading and the feedback.
Thanks Sixties, great to read and see the boys back, albeit some resting. The weather has been quite warm and humid and i imagine this was also showing yesterday…..its that time of year.
I just hope we can have a healthy start to the year with our main crop of players back.
A big fan of Hollis and yes like others hope he can have a good run with his health, as he could be one to come on over the next few years.
Cheers Milo. Like every team, the Eels greatest challenge might yet be Covid. Hopefully the start of the season will see the latest wave on the wane.
My gut feeling is telling me that as Eels fans we are likely to see more of our team in 2022 than we did in either of the past 2 seasons.
I missed the at game experience at Bankwest at the backend of 2021 and I can hardly wait for March.
I feel that we have a good squad for the upcoming season and I am plenty confident for the Eels in 2022.
Sixties keep these reports coming
I’ve been struck down by the dreaded Rona and couldn’t sleep last night so spent some time analysing the eels.
As you know my default position is negative when it comes to the eels they have broken my spirit.
I think Covid will decide the comp this year the NRL will push through players will need to isolate at times squad depth will be important. Our youngsters who got an opportunity last season could play a big part in where we finish.
On comparison with other teams I think we are a top 6 team again.
Hopefully the experience gained from our previous finals campaigns gives us something to build on.
I think some player movement may still happen I’m hoping Josh Hodgson angles for a early release and we get hik sooner I’d happily see Reed waste away in Reggie’s.
Overall I feel for the squad as it is now this year is the last chance to achieve something.
Going by all your admitted negativity breaking your spirit wasnt a hard feat !
Oh I used to be the other way I did believe every year was our year and i saw everything thing in blue and gold.
As years go by and dissapointment mounts I slowly edged towards the darkness
The darkness is full of spirits apparently , keep searching you might find yours .
I’m sure it’s around here somewhere
Offside, I have often pictured our Eels from a glass half full perspective and have no problem with that in current times. I hit the darkness back in the early 90s and in Rocky Stuart’s year.
So why do I see things more positively now.
Firstly, I am confident about our depth in a season impacted by Covid. I also believe that we have very good youngsters and fringe players ready to step up in 23, and the following years, and I believe we will make a couple of astute additions to our roster.