At TCT, we’ve spent a large chunk of summer watching Parramatta’s pre-season training. The football department are now reasonably familiar with our ugly mugs as we’ve run a rule over the demanding conditioning and skills development expected of a professional…
Kaysa Pritchard – An Unexpected X Factor?
For a player who debuted for the Eels in 2013, it’s taking a long time for Kaysa Pritchard to reach double figures in first grade appearances. The 90kg dummy half/utility has experienced more injuries in 3 seasons than most players…
Finding The Positives – What Can We Take Out Of A Loss?
The dust has settled and the high expectations of an opening round win have been sadly dashed. It’s never much fun walking away from a home match after a disappointing loss, but there are some positives to consider. Resilience Make…
Broncos Analysis – What To Expect & How To Capitalise
Ahh….round one of the NRL Season at Pirtek Stadium. Does it get any more exciting than this? I can already see the sea of blue and gold amidst the smell of deep heat and mid-strength beer, as the sounds of…
Pride and Respect – Part of the New Culture
After reading through the comments posted by supporters who joined me over summer at Eels training, I’ve had reason to reflect on the noticeable difference in culture which has emerged in recent seasons. Having had the opportunity to witness these…
The Auckland 9s – Sixties Predicts
We won’t have to wait too long until the 9s are named. I’ll go out on a limb and try to pick an 18 man squad: The Stars Norman and Radradra The Training Standouts Tanginoa, Cornish, King and Nelson The…
Eels Pre-season Training – Pauli Stands Out (January 25, 2016)
Somewhat inclement weather prevailed for today’s field work, though I’m sure the players much prefer such conditions over the extreme heat. Some warm ups and skills preceded the match simulations which was controlled by NRL referees. My comments will focus…
Eels Pre-season Training – Week 3 Overview and Opinion (January 2016)
This past week was surely a physical and psychological examination of the squad as first heat, then humidity, tested their limits. As the pre-season takes them ever closer to the first kick-off of the year, was it possible to demonstrate…
Eels Pre-Season Training – January 22: BA Fires Up
The heat was down a notch but sauna-like conditions greeted the squad for the early field session today. Arriving just after 8:30am, I caught the end of the first player group and the entire second group. The drills appeared to…
Eels Pre-Season Training – Taka Scorches The Field (January 21, 2016)
In conditions which could not have been measured by the old WSC Players’ Comfort Meter, the Parramatta players took to the fields for two skills and conditioning sessions. With a small gathering of interested spectators looking on, including TCT members,…