This report compiles three training sessions into the one post. Hopefully it also illustrates how one session builds on the previous.
As a former teacher, I’ve found the structure and content of this early part of the Eels preseason to be fascinating.
At a function just last week, assistant coach Nathan Brown stated that he was looking forward to seeing the players embrace the learning that would take place during this preseason and the season proper.
Based on what I’ve witnessed thus far, the squad seems to be fully embracing the learning environment.
Each component of a session works towards the next, with drills or games that then tie the work together. The same applies to how the days and weeks are building upon what has preceded. Of course, this is best practice in coaching, and not new to those of you with a background in coaching. But the explicit delivery, the type of drills, and implementation of scaffolded learning and practice is next level.
Another major point of difference was revealed by Head of Athletic Performance, Blair Mills, in the recently released Eels media profile about him and his role.
He mentioned that the Eels conditioning does not follow traditional/old school models. Instead, it’s based around GPS readings, If you’re a regular reader of these training reports, you might have already determined that the loadings are coming in how the drills and games are implemented.
All teams use GPS data – kilometres travelled, the amount of time and kilometres at high levels of output. Mills is constantly monitoring the output of the players during the session, and the players are pushed to fatigue levels in ways that reflect the demands of an NRL match.
And so to the last three sessions of this week.
Wednesday started and ended with the fun of the Footy Volleyball game. I’m still trying to work out the rules, but there are multiple footballs in action with the goal posts functioning as the net. It’s quick, ultra competitive, and it gets the players upbeat about their work.
Footy Volleyball
From there, it was a sequence of passing drills, with each one requiring a development on the previous drill.
There was static passing technique focussing on the hands and the arm movement, the group next competed as teams in chain passing followed by drills in which precision passing was executed over different distances or through obstacles, and drills with defenders running interference. The scaffolded learning of the skills was evident.
Players were also given the opportunity for innovation as they were tasked with getting the ball away with less traditional passes.
Defence followed via marker drills, which built into individual defence positioning and footwork, and finally they worked as pairs getting the communication and positioning correct.
The morning wrapped up with passing, catching or kicking skills relevant to their positions.
Thursday commenced with the squad split into forwards and backs. Whilst the forwards began with “bumpers up” collision drills, the backs worked their way through a variety of kicking skills.
When the groups came back together the focus was on the speed and precision of their attack. Fast ball ball movement without any opposition was followed by opposed drills.
As the drills progressed more attackers and defenders were added, the field widened, and different shapes were practised.
Friday was similarly themed, but it was far more intense.
The initial drill had each group running different shapes at a defence line, so naturally it looked like the primary focus was attack. However, there were calls from the coaches and senior players for the defenders to stay connected, so it was likely both sides of the game in play.
Getting up from Malcolms
Attacking shapes in the red zone built on the previous drill, and the emphasis was placed on precision.
This is where I need to get specific about Josh Addo-Carr. His positioning, timing and acceleration is a thing of beauty! Literally every run saw him hit top speed at the moment he received the pass.
The other notable point was his encouragement and advice to others. His experience, footy IQ and on-field voice could prove to be a major point of difference for this team.
Improvised attack, then games of ten on ten with Malcolms (up/downs that would have seen the GPS readings for the players hit the high output level) rounded out the ball work.
It was already the biggest and most demanding session of the week, but the defence work was still to come.
After changing into match jerseys, the squad moved through a sequence of drills focussed on individual tackle technique. It began with tackles on the tackle bags, then moved onto tackling opponents with and without bump pads.
The tackles took the defenders off their feet, with power and drive being a feature. Amongst a multitude of big hits, there was one by Kelma Tuilagi that left us stunned by the sound.
Friday concluded with the players taking an opponent to the ground to complete a dominant tackle, before getting into the marker position.
Harley with Dylan, Josh and Haze
A shout out to Danny and Harley, a couple of massive Eels fans who joined us on Friday.
As you can see from the photos, a number of the players said hello, and Jason Ryles also stopped for a photo with them both..
Harley with Wiremu, Joe, Junior and Charlie
Besides being big Parra supporters, both Danny and Harley have connections to Dylan Brown and Josh Addo-Carr, so these photos will be particularly special.
Danny and Harley with Jason Ryles
Final Note
Earlier this week I promised to list the players who are currently involved in this preseason.
Here’s that list:
Josh Addo-Carr, Bailey Simonsson, Will Penisini, Sean Russell, Dylan Brown, Junior Paulo, Brendan Hands, Joe Ofahengaue, Kelma Tualagi, J’Maine Hopgood, Shaun Lane, Ryan Matterson, Luca Moretti, Wiremu Greig, Bryce Cartwright, Charlie Guymer, Matt Doorey, Dan Keir, Toni Mataele, Sam Tuivaiti, Joash Papali’i, Saxon Pryke, Brock Parker, Jordan Samrani, Jake Tago, Arthur Miller-Stephen, Haze Dunster, Richard Penisini, Dean Hawkins, Joey Lussick, Ryley Smith, Josh Lynn, Dom Farrugia, Will Latu, Jezaiah Funa-Iuta.
Joash Papali’i
Yet to return
Mitch Moses, Zac Lomax, Isaiah Iongi, Jack Williams
A Bit Of Fun
I have to conclude this report with a fun dig at the music, and occasionally the singing heard at Kellyville.
On some days, the boom box is in action, typically during warm ups or it might continue at a lower volume if there are players on the exercise bikes on the verandah.
From a personal taste perspective, the choices seem ordinary. But when there’s the occasional and fortunately brief addition of “player karaoke”, it leaves quite a bit to be desired.
My suspicions are directed at Dylbags as a culprit.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Wonderful update. Thanks.
Cheers Martin.
Thanks 60s, great report, makes me hungry to see the team. Glad Brock Parker is on the list, I’d assume that means he’s sticking around. I wish Ethyn Martin made it, from what I’ve seen he has pace and skill, I wonder why he isn’t impressing the coaches.
Shame that Twiddle and Alamadine didn’t get a pre-season give their potential and good seasons.
Same with Coinakis and a couple more. Idk how Farrugia is ahead of all those players.
EA, both Twidle and Moey will get NRL training time. Lachie Coinakis is likely to start the season in SG Ball. Dom is having a very good preseason.
Ethyn will be back. He has a bit of rehab to do and there’s no point in wasting preseason training time in rehab.
Hi Sixties – thanks for another great update.
2 questions if you could respond
1. I’m very disappointed that we didn’t sign Terrell May but you can’t always get what you want. Apart from Junior Paulo and Joe Ofenghaue who are our prop forwards for next year? Are there any other signings in the wind?
2. BA favoured an up and in defence which was exploited by opposition teams week in week our especially by teams like the Rabbitohs, Roosters, Storm who could move the ball from side to side at pace. Is there any indication that Ryle’s is moving toward a sliding defensive structure like that used by Melbourne.
To be honest, melbournes edge defence has been brittle since kafusi and bromwhich left. They have cycled through edge backrowers and centres and finally got some stability this year but even still it was shaky.They get stripped fairly easily. I’d be more interested in the Penrith/bulldogs defensive scheme
Mark – Let’s call them middles. In the NRL/Dev list there’s Matto and Lane that I think are more likely to be middles more than edges, along with Luca Moretti and Wiremu Greig. Sam Tuivaiti is now top 30 too but I think he’s more likely to be a 2026 debutant and Toni Mataele who will be looking for a bigger year. Then you’ve got the lighter middles like Jack Williams, J’Maine Hopgood and Charlie Guymer who can play middle or edge.
BA switched to a slide defence in 2023, which most teams use. They haven’t done full team opposed so systems aren’t obvious yet but I’d be stunned if it wasn’t slide.
Thanks 60s.
Two questions:
1. How well conditioned do our middles look relative to previous years? In particular guys like Wiremu Greig who needs to be able to lift minutes going forward.
2. Also who is still in recovery other than Dylan? Guys like Bailey, AMS, Haze and Richie P – are they all back in full swing?
Thanks for your hard work.
Mick, the NRL players have only been back for a week and a half. The players look a bit leaner. I couldn’t assess how they compare to last year at the moment. I’m not sure whether Millsy is interested in comparative data to last year. He’d be solely focussed on where he’d want them to be this year. What I can say is that the squad is working on being faster, whilst still maintaining attention to detail.
Dylan and Bailey are well documented as needing more time in rehab alongside Haze. Richie and Artie had completed their rehab before the preseason started.
Good stuff, thanks.
I just watched Ryles interview and he said we have 1 spot left. We only calculated a top 30 of 26 players. Do you know if it’s because players got promoted or just signing are about to be announced.
EA, I can’t answer that. My calculations say 26 in the top 30.
Fair enough. Do you see any player leaving the club (Like Lussick) or just players coming in? Feel like Brailey’s chance of joining the club decreases every day.
Thanks for your work, EA
EA, I still have it recorded as two spots available for the round one minimum. Ryles said one spot and didn’t clarify if he meant for that date or overall. If it’s overall it means there have been three signings or upgrades. If it’s for round one then there’s been one.
Thanks for the report Craig. Can I ask why do you think Jack Williams is not back? He didn’t play rep footy, as far as I know.
Thanks in advance and also thanks for the reports. They are excellent.
played in prelim final which is probably why
Jason, the Sharks played finals footy so he’s due back in a week or so.
You can’t tell me Dylan is only 85kg his listed weight. Thx for gr8 report
Matthew – never pay attention to such stats. They can be quite inaccurate.
I believe it !
One of your best Sixties, thank you
Thanks Joseph
Thanks Sixties,
Another informative read. Sounds like the team enjoys the sessions at present. I’ll be interested to see a changes in dynamics once Mitch is back. Who will he share banter with the most now Gutho is gone?
I’m also interested in seeing how the conditioning plays out over the rest of the preseason. Haven’t had the chance to watch the Mills interview yet, but from what you’ve said it seems like it is going to be different.
Cheers and thanks again for the reporting. This one brightened up my day after watching the cricket!
I enjoy watching my cricket mate, but even in summer my Eels fix is essential. Thanks for reading.
Thanks gents for another great report they make the off season that little bit easier. Can’t believe how much I look forward to them tbh. Happy to hear about the details in defence being worked on if we can improve in that regard we should be competitive at least, and it would be so much better not to have sit through some of the drubbings we have witnessed in the last couple of years. Nothing worse than watching a team appear to quit mid game .
There’s plenty of attention to detail in the defence work
Thx for your report Sixties
Cheers
Love the reports as always 60s.but I keep thinking how well gutho would have loved all this. Let it go I know haha
Yes mate. Got to move on Tanky
Last comment on the subject but I can only think of another that disappointed me Ray higgs in I think 1978 .at half time against st George in 77 higgs apparently wanted to fight fire with fire after Reddy went on his rampage. Just seeing him in a manly jersey was too much. I know mate let it go haha
Tanky, Higgs ranked with my biggest disappointments. He was worth the price of admission alone, that middle square of worn track was where Higgs and Price inflicted and absorbed pain on a Sunday afternoon.
Exactly mate a tough duo
Thanks again Sixties and team of eyes.
Always happy to get my fox oops fix of all things eels.
I’ve really noticed the club seems to have thrown some more $$$ at staffing and I only assume this was asked for etc.
Sixties. My only question is have you got a new seat too for watching ?
And we seem to love ex saints players / support. It’s quite amazing tbh and I’m not criticising at all but wow. Gee that goes way way back…
Milo, maybe a memorial plaque hangong off a fence down there in the future.
Wiremu is looking lean, this year might be one of his last chances to become a genuine first grade middle so his fitness is key
He is looking lean. And to be fair he was looking lean last preseason but then injury hit and he never quite hit the form he would have wanted.
Wiremu and Jnr P are looking leaner and have significantly improved their body weight it looks like. Both look down 10kgs (by the eyes test).
Jason & co have obviously instructed our boys to improve weight & fitness to be ready for this off season, yes they won’t be as damaging on one our runs.
But what’s been missing from our team is a squad of players who can play set for set for 5 minutes straight without collapsing, our defence isn’t due to only coaching. It’s hugely influenced by fitness levels. No teams are dominating the comp only on power – the two fittest teams in 2024 also played in the grand final
The game now is so fast, so many 6 agains, minimal rest. Hopefully Jnr & Co can defend for longer minutes out there with the reduced body weight.
The late game collapses in my view was not only our game approach (massive front load of output), but we also had significant body composition disadvantages. The NRL is FAR different now to 2020.
Jo Ofa had a great year in 2024 for us and was a good worker. He turns up in defence repeatedly. If we can get Jnr, Wiremu, matto, lane, all showing up for longer minutes defensively during 2025 we should not see as many big point blow outs & collapses at the 50 minute mark.
I predict Either Charlie guymer, Luca Moretti or Tualagi will have a break out season in regards to our younger players. We will need these men to work immensely hard & stay healthy.
Losing RCG (who was one of our best props ever in my view) will be difficult. We will really need each of our young forwards to have a great off season, and remain healthy.
Luca and guymer have proven both can create significant impact off the bench for us. We will desperately need this in tough games, since RCG is gone.
P.s it’s great to hear Mark Gasnier has signed with us reportedly! Gaz was an elite centre, rep player, very high level defender, he will offer significant value to our young backs.
For anyone who is newer to the game and isn’t aware. Gaz was an elite back. He played rep. He was very good at setting up & scoring tries. You could say at centre he was probably elite defensively. A very smart player. He could play 5/8 as well – I have no doubt he will help our young backs become better players.
Bailey S & Will P will significantly improve their defensive and attacking abilities in the 1% areas by listening to him.
With all due respect, Gasnier was miles ahead of centres at parra I’ve probably ever seen. Will p, Bailey & Lomax can only improve if he’s helping them.
I think in around 2015 or 2015 Phil Guild at one point said “Gasnier was probably the best centre I’ve ever seen.” Af his best, Gasnier was a truly elite centre.
It’s a positive sign that Jason isn’t too ego filled to bring in players in his weakness areas. Jason & Sam Mia being a forward specialist, apparently Jason thought he needs an extra back specialist in to help out backs in further detail.
I’m Not hyping for 25’ because we are still slim on depth. But in regards to judging by actions, leadership, and professionalism being shown by Jason… He is attempting to leave NO STONE UNTURNED in regards to improving our NRL teams chances.. And for that alone – it’s very respectable.
So phil “guild”said Mark gasnier was the best centre he’d ever seen . Rubbish. So he never saw Kenny, Miles ,Fulton, Renouf, Cronin, Ella, Meninga, Rodgers, etc etc. Jamie Lyon played at Parra at that time ,he went alright.
The best centre I have seen was called Gasnier, but his first name was not Mark.
Muz must be very young, but you did miss a player in Inness that fits with that group Promy.
Question for 60’s, have we ever had a diagnosis officially on Dyllan, i.e. was it a torn or strained ACL and what sort of rehab is he going through. I have read a fair bit on ACL’s and torn one’s left to heal themselves (no surgery) have a high acceptance of repeating…… In theory if this was a ruptured (fully severed) he would not be back for round one, more likely the middle of the year. BUT if torn then by degree he may be back much earlier but with a strong chance of recurrence…..hence my question and only hoping it was strained or only a minor tear.
I am so confidenmt about this year but I feel worried about another injury that puts one of our very best players on the sideline.
I also note that DB is a bit of a freak and find it difficult to see him out with any injury.
PS should have been Ingliss…Lol
Plopps, if you’d watched the Ryles interview, you would have seen the update on Dylbaggs.
He’s already running at training, and is now on the tools as part of Ryles plan to get players to do everyday jobs
Poppa I agree Inglis is probably the best person I have seen play at centre. Kenny was also a legend. But I’m terms of recent times we have very rarely had any elite centres. Zac Lomax might become one of them at parra for us if we are lucky 🤞
I’d have wasted time and words going back to Puff. As far as Ingliss, he’ll have to settle for the etc,etc group.
Re the interview with Ryles update on Dyllan, I know he is running, but I did not know the severity of the injury…..hence my question for 60’s.
PS Chiefy, why are you over here upsetting these good people, its bad enough having you on one site LOL
Poppa, it wasn’t fully torn and as mentioned in media he is up to running in his rehab. As for return dates, I leave that to the club to make official comments.
Fellas – he suggested at his prime was one of the best. Which he was. In regards to recent times, no we haven’t had any centres like Kenny, Cronin, or say Lyon.
I would take Phil guild’s suggestion as him being a former supreme quality player as to random people on a forum suggesting otherwise. And we all know guild can exaggerate or hype, but anyone who thinks our new additional assistant backs coach was not an elite player at his best, is simply fooling themselves. Some props to the man where it’s due. Lol
Muz, we won’t get carried away. I said Parra will definitely have a better season. I’ll leave it there for now.
Agreed. Just need to keep the key players on the park to have a better season.
That’s right John. Surely we’ll have better luck in that regard
For sure 60’s. Just limiting injuries alone and some of our younger players now having NRL experience should benefit
us in 2025.
Hi Craig, I have seen stories change through half a dozen hands, that one changed so quick you would think Gary Cook was adjudicating LOL
(I know that memory hurts us both but I was accused of being a Dragon on the other site LOL)
I think we will be a far better team turning defence into attack and getting Mitch in better positions to drive field position. Having fast back 5 is a massive advantage. The game is about how quick you can transition from defence into attack and keeping the middles as fresh as possible for the attack zone. I still think we are missing one middle and a sharp hooker. I think having HOPPY back is massive. His is a gun.
I’m keen to see Hopgood working in a capable, fit pack and strong bench. Will bring out the best in him (it’ll work for others too).
Well said Paul.
BDon, I’m also just keen to see Hopgood back playing. We had two players in Origin this year and lost both to injury.
The best centre I have seen was called Gasnier, but his first name was not Mark.
Muz must be very young, but you did miss a player in Inness that fits with that group Promy.
Question for 60’s, have we ever had a diagnosis officially on Dyllan, i.e. was it a torn or strained ACL and what sort of rehab is he going through. I have read a fair bit on ACL’s and torn one’s left to heal themselves (no surgery) have a high acceptance of repeating…… In theory if this was a ruptured (fully severed) he would not be back for round one, more likely the middle of the year. BUT if torn then by degree he may be back much earlier but with a strong chance of recurrence…..hence my question and only hoping it was strained or only a minor tear.
I am so confidenmt about this year but I feel worried about another injury that puts one of our very best players on the sideline.
I also note that DB is a bit of a freak and find it difficult to see him out with any injury.
Poppa I did mean to write he was far better than any centre we have had in recent times and that’s probably decades. Obviously Jenny etc are all time nrl legends. But I’m suggesting having a former elite player from semi recent times, should only benefit these young players. It’s also about getting young players to listen. Sometimes just having an assistant coach who played rep, was a top player, makes them actually listen because it’s coming from a respected voice. I see our backs at parramatta especially the ones we produce always being poor defensively or average. Not saying this is a silver bullet, but having former elite backs doing video work with them and training them should help our clubs backs defensively improve. This has been our Achilles heel for almost a decade, no defence out wide. Any idea Ryles has to add brains to this area in my view should be praised by from parra fans. This is the area we generally suck. Our forwards are great, halves amazing, backs consistently avg. hopefully adding focused coaching here helps change the dynamic for us.
Its all a matter of opinion. I’ve seen them including Puff who was a very very good centre.
Personally, I still can’t go past Bozo Fulton as the best centre and one of the best in players ever to lace on a boot.
Love all of our legends including Bert etc but Bozo was on another level.
Thanks Sixties for the reports. Great to see that we have started to adapt and change. It was massively overdue.
Personally, I’m still in favour of the old road runs and old fashioned fitness drills and remain sceptical about all this GPS nonsense.
There are a few players like Penisini that needed a massive kick up the backside regarding their fitness. I maintained that Will was carrying about 10kgs over his ideal weight.
Let’s wait and see.
As big Kev said .. ” I’m Excited”
True spark, and good point re will penisini. He’s a kid with potential and in my view needs better body composition management. Paulo & Wirimeu look significantly smaller weight wise. Hopefully with some of these boys slimmed down they will last longer defensively in those tough gruelling games.
I don’t want to be negative because I truly hope the best for him. But my gut tells me that Will P will either need to sink or swim this year, and if Will doesn’t lift this year Jason will ship him off or move him off. Will isn’t the stereotype body the clubs where Jason’s been at over 10 use generally, at storm & chooks your centres are strong defenders. You can bet Jason will possibly shop Will off if Penisini cannot provide the services defence wise Jason is after. Jason wants to win a premiership, apparently he has the mentality no position is ever guaranteed. Both of his mentors are strict disciplinary types who don’t hesitate to sack or shop off players. This will light a fire under players asses I assume. The new coach you can see already is not afraid to make tough decisions.
Next year sorry * 😅 haha
Yes I agree. Penisini seems like an old fashioned centre but I don’t know if he has the agility and technique to thrive as a modern day NRL centre. He has some defensive problems and can really pull out a terrible pass which is strange considering his union background.
I reckon he would be watching his mate over at the Wallabies very very closely.
Improvement will occur Spark. How much is the debate.