Must be my turn to update this thread. Got out there this morning for the 3 hour field session. Good to see a fair number of people out there watching too. There was probably around 60+ people, half of them kids waiting patiently for autographs, a school holiday group/class included. Gus was there only briefly at the start of the session, deep in chat with Ciraldo, then disappeared for birthday cake i believe.
As KiwiDog7 mentioned, there is a TV put out there. Topine came out with it at the start and set it up on a seat next to the sideline (should see it in my photos coming soon), It would have to be 30-40 years old
Start with some quick bullet points for people to over-analyse:-
- My eyesight is either shot or i didn't sight Franklin Pele there today
- TPJ in injured/light training group, did very little with the team. Floated around a fair bit too, compared to the other guys on the injured list. Was a little worrying but could be reading too much / bit of confirmation bias towards him at play. I am hoping he has a good year for us.
- Jackson Topine and Kikau in that injured / light load group. Did maybe 60% of the drills with the team but at a slower pace, then worked separately together whilst the team were doing ball work etc. Waddell & Casey also did some team drills but also limited to what they could do.
- Jacob Preston filling in for Kikau the whole time on the left
- The 13 is settled upon, based on what other people have seen, as it all matched again today. Backline guys didn't alternate positions. Adding in the guys expected to slot in that were not actively involved (Kikau & TPJ)
1. Perham
2. JAC
3. Alamoti
4. Averillo
5. Kiraz
6. Burton
7. Flanagan
8. King
9. Mahoney
10. TPJ
11. Kikau
12. RFM
13. Thompson
Maybe some jostling for bench but definitely think Preston will get one.
In the opposed ball work sessions, they started with 3 rotating teams of 9 and focused on attacking structures across 2/3 of the field, sweeping plays etc.
The expected line up (Left hand side) were all together for that one, then the right side in the second team and the NSW cup guys in the third. It was a bit rough for the most part of that session, lots of dropped ball. The started this after about an hour or so of fitness / tackling work so were no doubt feeling the heat.
It then got broken into two teams. The two teams lined up as expected barring the missing guys. Rajab FB, Skelton LC, Casey RC.
This went a fair bit better and there was some solid moves. Right side of Averillo and Kiraz did quite well in attack. Kiraz a notable standout in both the teams of 9 then this session. Couple of intercepts, solid reads in defence and a bust as well on the right putting averillo in. He looked really strong today.
Flanagan also scored a try down the short side attacking near the line
Flanno definitely showing he is up for it at least fitness wise. Pushing to be up the front in all the fitness stuff. Skills wise - we will all get to see come kick off.
* Edit - Burton and Thommo got a break during the main ball session. Josh Reynolds had a fair stint with the first team at 5/8. I think he will be around for the season in some capacity.
Hard to be confident regarding captain but i though RFM was pulling the guys together for the group huddles and leading them from what i could tell. I would also add that Mahoney looks very fit, after the opposed sessions they were flogged with some more alternating sprints/running and he was pushing hard. A lead by example type if he gets the nod.
I will try adding some photos / videos shortly.
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