Reflecting back on yesterday, the overall impression was the positivity of the coaching staff and the unity and bonds of the players.

Given that many of those on the training track have come through pathways teams together, that shouldn’t have been a surprise.

But maybe more than that, these young players know that being selected for an NRL preseason is a big deal. It’s happened for a reason. For each of them it’s been a combination of talent, hard work, sacrifices and performances.

What happens over this summer is about them making the most of this opportunity. They might have a point to prove, they might be pushing for a run in the top grade, they might be aiming for a contract upgrade. You only have to think back to the first grade debuts last year.

Promising pathways prop Sam Tuivaiti took his biggest step forward on the back of a preseason that resulted in a last minute round one call up. Toni Mataele was one of the most improved players during the preseason and ultimately earned a debut later in the season. And of course, the preseason reports shone a light on previously unheralded players like Ryley Smith, Joash Papalii and Jordan Samrani, all of whom made their mark on the training track and were rewarded with a first grade jersey.

Which begs the question, outside of how the entire group prepares for the season, and whether this summer builds the team for a tilt at finals football, will the next young players to wear the Blue and Gold NRL jersey be identified via their training track efforts this preseason?

That’s a big part of why I enjoy watching the preseason.

The main difference between day one and day two of the training program was the inclusion of readily definable conditioning. Also, a few of the players were working in the gym which meant a group of about 13 or 14 out on the fields this morning.

In the latter part of the session the squad alternated between hand/eye coordination drills and set distance running.

Outside of commonly used tests like the Broncos 1.2km run, I don’t like to give actual details about distances used by the high performance staff as I consider such specifics of conditioning to be a form of intellectual property, but I will report on those who stood out.

At one stage it looked as if Lachy Coinakis might match Ryley Smith but the Eels fitness freak found another gear. Others to catch the eye were Joash Papalii, Araz Nanva and Moey Alameddine.

The early part of the session involved passing drills and defence line movement. Following on from last season, that lateral agility remains a focus, both individually and as a unit.

Passing drills

Small group attack and defence followed, and it was typical draw and pass stuff, done two on one and then three on three. Given the number of young forwards in the group, I was impressed with the speed of the ball movement –  good quick hands.

There was a bit of time spent in doing unstructured attacking play. Quick hands, communicating, creating space, presenting yourself in support in space and of course decision making on the spot are all involved. For those working as defenders, communication and decision making are just as important.

From a spectator perspective, drills like this are the entertaining parts of early preseason training. Until the opposed work fully kicks in, small group work gives an opportunity to see the skill sets of all players, and depending on their role in the team or how a game unfolds, you don’t always get to see some skills on show on match days.

Similar to the day before, the session rounded off with Nathan Brown leading extras with the dummy halves and forwards and Scott Wisemantel working with the backs with their kicking and catching.

A Personal Message

I was not in a position to participate in last night’s live podcast and John (Forty) spoke about my family situation, specifically my mother’s health.

This report was quite delayed for the same reason.

I want to thank John’s brother Luca for stepping in to the podcast at late notice. I’m also grateful for the messages of support which have been sent, not just now but also over the last 5-6 months.

It’s 2:47am as I type this. Reporting on the footy is my respite and prior to what unfolded yesterday, I had made the decision that I needed to take time out of my days at the hospital and to be “distracted” for 2-3 hours per day.

That might become a bit tougher over the coming days or weeks. One day at a time for now.

Mum forever!

Craig

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