The pointy end of the preseason is now upon us. When we get to trial matches, training tends to shift into premiership rounds match mode. What does that mean? The collisions in the opposed work ease up a bit…
Bumpers Up – February 15, 2021: The Good News And The Not So Good
Anyone with more than a passing interest in rugby league understands how fired up supporters can be about news or events in our game. I’ve certainly been no stranger to mixed emotions over the past couple of weeks. There’s been…
Parramatta Stories – Issue 2, 2021: “We’re Here For Parra, We’re Here For The Eels”
“We’re here for Parra, we’re here for the Eels and that’s exactly what we’re here for.” At a time when COVID-19 has had, and will continue to have, a massive impact on our communities, the above statement made by…
Eels Pre-Season Training – February 11, 2021: Sivo Finds A New Tedesco
Move over James Tedesco. In one of the more spectacular moments I’ve witnessed at Eels training, powerhouse winger Maika Sivo decided to re-enact his 2020 collision with the Roosters superstar fullback during this morning’s opposed session. And unfortunately for Jordan…
Eels Pre-Season Training – February 9, 2021: Rated AA For Action Aplenty
How close are we to some serious footy? Here’s the quick rundown: * Thursday, February 18 – the players with 12 NRL games or less in 2020 are eligible to play in the Eels vs Dragons trial at Kogarah *…
Eels Pre-Season Training – February 5, 2021: It’s A Full Dress Rehearsal And Oregon Owns It!
A full squad of referees. One team in the Blue and Gold, the other in the white alternate jersey. There’ll be no contrived play simulations. No handing the ball back to one team because the coach reckons the other team…
Eels Pre-Season Training – February 3, 2021: “The Papa, Carty, Moses, Haze, JA, et al Highlights Session”
Compiling these training reports over an entire preseason has its challenging days. It is, after all, a long period of time to cover a similar activity – getting fit and preparing for a football season. And there’s a philosophy to…
Bumpers Up – The Fake, The Fields, The Force, The Footy
Welcome to the first edition of Bumpers Up for 2021. For those unacquainted with this column, expect my take on the latest Eels news, be it from mainstream media or exclusive to TCT. In turn, you can return fire on…
Eels Pre-Season Training – February 1, 2021: Fergo You Freak!
Spoiler alert. If you’re not a Blake Ferguson fan, this report is not for you. The effusive praise to follow will leave you questioning my objectivity. That’s fair enough. It is, after all, just training. Nonetheless, I reckon I’m a…
Eels Pre-Season Training – January 29, 2021: Friday Footy Palooza
What would you do if it was the back half of the preseason, your squad was very fit, and you wanted to keep them physically and mentally fresh? I reckon the solution was a session henceforth referred to as “Friday…