The trials are now done and so the preseason comes to an end. Regular visitors to TCT would have noted that the training reports have recently been conspicuous by their absence. There are reasons behind that. Frankly, the conditions have…
The Spotlight – February 27, 2022: Eels Trial Takes
How much can we take out of the 36 point demolition of an under strength Panthers in a preseason trial? Obviously, it was sweet, if for nothing other than the reaction of the Penrith supporters in the dilapidated stands around…
The Preview – 2022 Pre-season edition: Eels vs Panthers
Sometimes you’re the hammer, and sometimes you’re the nail. While the Parramatta starting side certainly hammered St George-Illawarra in the early stages last weekend, ultimately the Eels ended up the nail as they suffered the only real loss you can…
Bumpers Up – February 22, 2022: Riding That Eels Rollercoaster
It’s been an eventful few days in Parradise. Though times are rarely uneventful in the Blue and Golden West, emotions have just run the full gamut in the space of little more than 72 hours. Firstly, we had the…
The Preview – 2022 Pre-Season Edition: Eels vs Dragons
How sweet it is, the taste of footy in February. While the dedicated have been able to watch the occasional blurry, badly commentated NRL trial over the last few years via streaming, 2022 marks the first time Fox Sports has…
Bumpers Up – February 16, 2022: The Footy’s Back!
It’s been a while hasn’t it! Over six weeks have passed since the last Bumpers Up column, and though there’s been no shortage of news in rugby league land, time has been a precious commodity. Now that I have your…
Eels Pre-Season Training Report – February 11, 2022: Ogden Demands Selection
A question for BA. Can you find a place for Ofahiki Ogden in the top 17? Maybe I should word that another way. How can you not select Ogden in the top grade? After recent sessions it’s surely impossible to…
Eels Pre-Season Training – February 7 & 9, 2022: Preparing For The First Trial?
At what point will Eels training narrow its focus to preparing for the upcoming trials? Monday’s session left me believing that such preparations had begun. After watching Wednesday training, I had more questions than answers. Let me explain why.…
Eels Pre-Season Training – February 4, 2022: A “Hazey” Morning With The Chance of Ice
It’s not unusual for wingers to provide highlight moments during a training session. Given that opposed work is a type of match simulation, there will be opportunities created for the fast men out wide. There will be spectacular finishes, and…
The Spotlight – An Early Call: Round 1 Eels Team List
Wouldn’t it be fun to have a Parramatta version of Punxsutawney Phil, the famous American groundhog that predicts the start of spring. Picture an Eel in an aquarium, (cue alliterative name ideas) tempted by three types of bait. Which will…