Training 21/1/15

Had a bit of company at training today. G'day Fui Fui. Here's the observation,After some fitness work which included the referees squad, the players moved to the main oval for some one on one drills. The players looked like they were having great fun. Poor Hoppa was up against Semi. With the open spaces Semi is too fast for anyone. Sandow was his typical cheeky self. Lots of laughs in this drill.After running through what may have been a bit of 9s try line attack and defence (I only say this because it looked like roughly 9 on 9) the players moved into a simulated game with referees on the field and the sideline. The sideline refs were occasionally calling out to offside players, as touchies would, and were talking amongst themselves about penalty situations during play. At the end of the game they were in discussion about certain plays and decided to discuss it as a group on the other oval.Now to the simulated game. As my other spectators will attest to, it is not easy to observe everything, so I'll do my best.There were lots of interchanges today and certainly some players who I would expect to be in the NRL team were in the green shirts today. Eg Gowie, Jnr Paulo. That being said, there are some constants in the team and I think certain positions are locked in - wing, fullback, halves, back row, dummy halves.Unfortunately my 1eyed mate had to leave early in the game and missed a couple of highlights. Let's just say Sandow looked exceptional. Long solo break and two passes to the wingers to create tries. He was my absolute standout for this training session.There is a mantra to keep the opposition pinned in their 20 for as long as possible. There is also a mantra about backing up the break.Lots of talk from the players, esp Hoppa.During his time on the field, Seffa played more direct.There are some plays where they look to be making use of Sandow's pace a little wider.Manu Ma'a, what a strong looking bloke. He's gonna have a big year.IDG and Watmough led the defence line speed.After training I had the chance to chew the fat with Steve Sharp. He's very happy with the squad and the way BA approaches his coaching. He coaches them to play football. Now that might seem like stating the obvious but there are coaches who assume that players know most of what they need to know to play the game. This is not BAs approach. This is one of the key components to the respect that our coach has garnered in the game. I've always found Steve a great bloke to talk football with. A great way to end the session today for me.Footnote: I can't overstate the value of having BA as the coach. He is constantly reminding the players about what they need to do, where they need to be, praising good decisions and plays, getting stuck in when they're not working hard enough. As I stated above, there are NRL players who have never been coached like this.

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sixtiesboy January 21, 2015 at 12:06pm

Couple of other things worth noting.
Wicks appeared to be doing fitness work away from the others.
Didn't notice Morgs today.
Davis wasn't there so ZDC was playing fullback for the "green" team.
True EEL January 21, 2015 at 12:12pm

I've got a half a mongrel after reading that! LOL ;)

#pitchingatent
- sixtiesboy > True EEL January 21, 2015 at 12:16pm
  
  Best keep away from Richie Benaud oval then. Lol
Michael Picklum January 21, 2015 at 12:12pm

Hi 60s, again many thanks for a great blog.
- sixtiesboy > Michael Picklum January 21, 2015 at 12:20pm
  
  No problems mate. The seasons nearly upon us and we can see them in action at the 9s and the trials. I'm really confident. As Sharp said to me, there is exceptional depth in the forwards. Some talent is going to be left out of first grade and it will be a tough decision.
True EEL January 21, 2015 at 12:27pm

ha ha, never fear, I'm a long way from there - which is why I certainly appreciate such reports/updates

Just meant it sounds great to hear things like Sandow really pumping up, the players seemingly getting along well and enjoying their football, BA coaching them to 'play football'....there is just not enough of that in the modern game in the last 2-3 years - they play like Robots!

The other big thing I took out of that was the talk of 'mantras', especially the one about pinning teams in their 20 m zone. I'd love to see our defense continue to improve.
Clive January 21, 2015 at 12:34pm

Great write up Sixties and it's awesome to hear that Sandow is training the house down. I really hope the club extends his contract soon because if Foran does sign on it is important we have a good first grade no 7 and Chris is by far our best option. Chris and Foran would make a great combo. Foran is calm and directs play well and there is not too many halves with the speed and footwork of Sandow and not to mention Chris's long kicking game.
Wile E. Coyote January 21, 2015 at 12:44pm

Thanks Sixties
What Is Sandows fitness like my main concern is that he seems to get tired and makes mistakes
- sixtiesboy > Wile E. Coyote January 21, 2015 at 3:15pm
  
  Very fit. I'm told about 4kg lighter than last year and he was fitter last year than he had been in recent seasons.
Michael Picklum January 21, 2015 at 12:47pm

From what u have seen etc, do u think Joe Paulo will make the starting 17?

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