Whilst the Eels created headlines in Sydney with their rightful decision to commence legal action against Zac Lomax, it was business as usual for the staff and players in their preseason camp at Lennox Head.
The Thursday session was a hive of activity as players were split into groups, completing a series of focused training drills across the field.
Forwards and backs took part in rotating 4-on-4 and 4-on-2 attack drills, with opposed sessions increasingly tailored to specific areas of the game.
Later on, there was a chance to slow things down in the opposed work and focus on execution and the players being where they need to be.
The field was narrowed to 30 metres as NRL and NSW Cup halves practiced attacking kicks for try-scoring opportunities, testing both precision and timing.
Will Penisini and Kitione Kautoga stood out with some of the memorable catches for the NRL team.
Opposed action (image credit RockTroy01)
Across the week, Lincoln Fletcher has impressed while guiding the NSW Cup side from halfback.
Fletcher delivered an excellent kick to Richard Penisini, Lincoln also had the chance for some one-on-one work with Mitch Moses at the end of the session.
Richie and Jezaiah Funa-Luta look confident working together on an edge with players rotating in and out of both sides.
Twelve months ago at the first Lennox Head camp, I had heard a little bit about Isaiah Iongi and thought he could emerge as a regular in first grade.
A huddle during the session (image RockTroy01)
I can see something similar in Lorenzo Talatina, whose movement and attacking instincts makes me keen to see where he is in his development by this time next year.
As the morning progressed, the main NRL squad continued their rotations, with a strong focus on forwards hitting the right lines and maintaining position.
A promising combination looks to be developing on the left edge, with Joash and Kitione building chemistry in attacking plays.
Winger-specific drills featured prominently today, with pad work designed to perfect ball planting in the corner under pressure.
Sean Russell spent more time on the wing, while Jake Tago gained valuable reps with the main squad.
Support was also on hand from Foxx, who provided guidance to Brian Kelly. The recruit from the Titans brings his own experience while learning new systems on the run having only joined the club this January.
Players meeting fans (image Lenno Eel)
The backs broke into smaller groups and practiced finishing plays and defensive techniques.
It was great to see the younger forwards responding to Nathan Cayless as fatigue set in at the back end of training.
Thursday’s session highlighted both the emerging depth of the Eels squad and the club’s focus on integrating young players into the NRL lineup ahead of the season kick-off.
RockTroy01 and family meet the Eels at Lennox Head
People in Lennox Head and the wider Northern Rivers region will have one last chance to see the team up close with a Saturday session scheduled between 730am-930am.
There should be some time for photos and autographs straight after before the team returns to PARRAdise later in the day.
Lenno Eel
Thanks Lenno Eel for this wide ranging report.
I am very hopeful for the season ahead that we will continue to see exciting improvement and results.
But now I have a whinge. I too live on the Northern Rivers but until your telling us about the open session tomorrow, we have had no easily found info on when to come and see the boys at work. I would have loved to have slipped across to get a dose.
Interestingly, some of the Titans seemed to have been in Lismore yesterday. They got all the media coverage. I guess it is more their backyard … but it’s all a pity from a Parra fan perspective. Again, Parra organisers don’t seem to realise how many of us there are in these far flung from Sydney regions.
If I wear Parra gear down town, I can’t help but get 5 “g’days” and a convo from a fellow supporter as they serve me at a counter. The lack of this Parra organiser recognition is what stopped me paying my membership.
Hi Brelogail. You’re right. Parra fans are everywhere across the northern rivers! In terms of the week. It was basically a normal week of training for them, just in a different location. That’s why it wasn’t heavily advertised for being a meet and greet or fan day. Other nrl and rugby teams have come to the region in the past, but have kept it to closed sessions.
Hey Brelogail,
As Lenno advised, these weren’t organised as open sessions for fans, especially with regard to the staff that are normally required to manage such events. Open sessions carry expectations in regard to photos, autographs and player time. It’s the reason why the Eels ask people to register their attendance for open sessions in the Parra catchment area.
On the other hand Brelogail, I have been advising of the training camp in Lennox Head for weeks now on TCT. I did so for the benefit of anyone up north wanting to see them in action. Lenno Eel provided training times too.