The question most fans were asking me earlier this week was whether Brian Kelly had arrived. Eels media provided a quick response to the Blue and Gold Army yesterday with images of the former Titan at his first day of training.

My initial response was that he looks very fit and lean. Our Eels colours also look good on him.

As for his participation in the session, it was limited. He worked with a small group of players away from the squad, mostly on what appeared to be conditioning work.

This has been the pattern for all returning players during the staggered return that occurs in every pre-season. And it makes sense. The player has to be assessed, then they have to catch them up with any changes to shapes, calls, and systems. Being new to the club requires even greater familiarisation.

Brian Kelly (image Eels media)

Once more, this was a session which built on what had gone down earlier in the week. The conditions were challenging with the extreme heat, and as always hydration stops were a component. At one point during the morning, the squad was moved to the shade for an extended break and received water and instruction there.

The execution probably slotted in to the lower end of the sweet zone for the coaching staff. There were enough errors and also enough moments done well to keep the coaches busy with feedback, and to keep the players focussed and not getting ahead of themselves.

Opposed

As to the overall structure, it was roughly warm ups, foundation skills, position specifics (outside backs grounding tries at the corner post, forwards and spine running shapes), opposed with kick chases, opposed in the red zone, and finally extras.

My notes from the session included the following:

* Pezet working exclusively with Papalii as Moses took a different loading for the session.

* Clever right side play between Pezet, Penisini and Samrani to create a line break

* Will Latu very busy on left edge and NSW Cup forwards working well as a unit

* Great hands from Fletcher to take pass at his ankles under pressure

* Superb tap on from Penisini to Samrani

* Lovely short ball from Da Silva for Doorey to power over for a try

* Pezet threading a pass to Walker to break through to score

* Simonsson is still working back to full fitness but is joining in some of the drills

* Lorenzo and Fletcher had time as a halves pairing in this session

I wanted to acknowledge some decision making which pleased me yesterday. It’s not that they don’t always happen, but it happened enough during this session to catch my attention.

Outside backs in corner post work

It’s not unusual to see tough passes pushed during the pre-season. In aiming to execute some plays, passes are thrown that shouldn’t be attempted in a game. After all, they usually get a chance to re-set and go again.

During the extended red zone drills, a number of players did what would be needed in a game. If the play was at risk of breaking down, they kept the ball and took the tackle.

There were a couple of memorable ones during the morning. One was with Joash taking on the defence after finding his runner blocked by a defender.

The second was Charlie Guymer receiving a pass which went slightly behind him, which impacted the timing of his support runners. He simply gathered the ball and stepped off his left foot and took an angled run against the intended direction of the players.

Kicking Goals – Literally!

Former Wallaby Matt Burke is continuing to work with the kickers in an effort to improve the points scored from conversions. Last year, Lomax struggled all season to achieve the success percentage required by NRL teams.

Along with Sean Russell, the Eels conversion rate was just above 70%, which was fine back in yesteryear when goal kicking was a toe-poking exercise, but not so good in the modern game.

We watched Burke’s first session before Christmas which overlapped with a whole squad field session. He is now providing specialised instruction in time dedicated to Eels kickers.

Fan Connections

A shout out is needed to the players and coaches who make visitors to training very welcome. Yesterday the balcony on the cafe was filled with onlookers enjoying both the hospitality and beverages of the cafe staff as well as the on-field work.

These are not open sessions, so there is no time set aside for meet and greets, but the squad and coaches regularly wave or say quick hellos to acknowledge fans in attendance.

An example can be seen in the photo below. Harvey featured in a video with Ryley Smith last year, with Ryley talking to Harvey and his mate about defence. That video received over 50K views on TCT Instagram. So not only did Ryley connect with Harvey and his mate, it resonated with tens of thousands of Eels fans.

Harvey visited training with his dad, Keith, this week and the players noticed him there, with a number, including Ryley, spending time with him.

Dylan Walker called visiting Eels fan Harvey over for a group photo at training this week

One of those watching yesterday was Conn, who took the time to introduce himself to Mitch and I after the session. It’s always terrific to meet other Blue and Gold faithful like Conn, as the passion for the Eels unites us all.

Like many others, Conn expressed that he feels a greater connection to the club in 2026.

I’m keen to hear if others feel likewise and why.

Eels forever!

Sixties

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