Eels Blogs

All the very best for 2016 and I hope it is a safe and rewarding year for all.

Like many on here I have watched the off season with great interest and anticipation. I have watched the merry go round of star centre's and hoped like mad we got ROBERTS. We didn't and then waited for the next one. The way the cards are falling it looks like we might be getting JENNINGS,  I am now eagerly hoping for the signature of JENNINGS. He brings with him pure speed and that is going to be a huge advantage moving forward in this game.  Get his head right and into the game and he is world class no doubt. 

Whilst we have focussed on the players and what they can and cant do - sometimes it can be the work of those behind the scenes ' players ' and where we might get that extra 10-20% that takes into the 8 and beyond. Who can change the team and makes us that much better ?

 Our coaching staff 

• Head Coach: Brad Arthur
• Assistant Coach: Peter Gentle
• Assistant Coach: Steve Murphy
• Chief Medical Officer: Dr Louis Shidiak MBBS FRACS (Orth) FAOA B. Appl. Sc. (Physio) 
• Physical Performance Manager: Paul Devlin
• Strength Coach: Jarrod Wade
• Contact Coach: Brett O’Farrell
• Head Trainer: Craig Sultana
• Assistant NRL Strength and Conditioning Coach and NYC Head of Strength and Conditioning: Nathan Beutel
• Video Analyst: Craig Crossman
• NSW Cup Head Coach and Development Coach: Joey Grima
• Under 20s Head Coach: Luke Burt

BA has almost got the side he would now particularly if he secures JENNINGS.  Big strong, hard nosed forward pack , good on their feet and with some fear factor in them.  The backs are coming together from a solid outfit to now one that can attack comfortably both sides of the ruck and with some much needed POISE and control.   Can they close a game out and can they control a game and win those games we are expected to win.  Get that right and we are making a dent into the 20% needed. 

GENTLE/MURPHY whilst I don't have a huge wrap on them when comparing to what else is out there as assistant coaches they are very good people managers and good with the team.  TICK. 

DEVLIN/WADE/SULTANA/FARRELL  - bring a variety of skills to the table and from some big boppers like the STORM and AFL.The fact we have someone who specialises in wrestling, injury rehabilation in AFL players is a big plus. People have commented about how lean some of the players are looking and I see this as a good thing.  WE have to be on top of fatigue and big bodies cant handle big minutes and with reduced interchange we need to have athletes that can play bigger minutes. Are we going for greater line speed or greater wrestle in the tackle ? Are we trying to get short sharp explosive 20 minute stints from the big poppers or changing them to be able to get 30 minutes or longer if required. Those 4 individuals come from successful clubs across two codes.  They dont become successful without having the best systems in place and technique and keeping players on the field is paramount . 

GRIMA/BURT - I have known Joey for many years and I have not seen him this excited about being back at Parramatta. He is so impressed with what he has to work with and what BA has put together.  He is expecting to produce some high quality from NSW Cup and NYC . Said having SCOTT & FORAN around the players is a massive bonus and he expects GORDON to be great for us too. BURT should be fantastic with the kids and if he can reverse the leaky defence and impatience might be able to sustain better consistent performances. DEPTH and quality of players at his disposal and competition for NRL will be GRIMA's thing. The model of bringing kids up through NSW CUP to get used to the pace and bodies is a good thing. Nothing better than learning and toughening up without the pressure of NRL. 

Finally, I would not be at all surprised if Phil MOSS doesn't head back to Parramatta in some capacity after parting ways with TIGERS, He is a talent and another great people manager. 

I have read all of Sixties detailed training reports and HE would be a great position to identify any real changes from last seasons to this pre season. But we have assembled a classy, skilled and, diverse team to assist BA. Time will tell if they make a difference.  Rather have them with us than against us. 

Take care.