I'm worried with such intensive training with Stephen Kearney and some fairly old players in our squad of 25 and with injuries that by the time we reach the finals we've only got a dozen of players that aren't too tired to play to their full potential. We may do well for the first 26 rounds but it's the finals that count and I don't want us running out of gas when it really matters. Don't just think the boys will be good for the finals because they are professional athletes, they are still humans and when you're approaching your 30's or in your 30's your body just can't withstand that much of a workload. This is definitely the biggest concern for us in 2011 after the halfback issue and if we don't address it we may have some serious issues. Look at the lack of depth we have and don't say our juniors are ready to step up. They are very inexperienced and still have a lot to work on in defence.
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The older the player is the less weight they need to carry on the field. I think Kearney is going by that quote. And as it gets closer to the season the workload will get less and less. And don't forget that the boys do have recovery sessions every third day or something like that to prevent straining themselves to much
I don't think they will.
If anything, I think the increased tempo and vigorous nature of training will enable the boys to play for longer and better for an extended period of time.
With the amount of training that has been done already, and is projected to be completed in the New Year, the Eels will definitely be one of the fittest sides in the NRL.
I have 100pct confidence in Kearney and Arthurs, they have been around a long time and know what it takes to get through a hard year (including the finals series). I'd rather have the boys fit and hungry at the start of the year than waiting until round 8 or 9 for us to actually start playing footy and I'm sure the workload will be tapered closed to the start of the season we need the boys on the front foot from round 1 (and if they're too old or fat I'm sure Kearney won't put up with them for too long)
As far as a lack of depth goes I think the halves are the only issue as we have two or three players who can fill in in any of the other postions
I was wondering this too. Kearney's been around a while though, you'd hope he knows how far you can be pushed pre-season and still have enough to give at the backend. He definitely had to do something, the Eels were in terrible shape comparitive to other teams, let's hope he's got the mix right!