Tim Mannah has a smile for The Leader as he adjusts his goggles in a freshening swim in the UNE Pool yesterday. Photo: Geoff O’Neill 290113GOA03
TRENT Elkin believes the young Parramatta Eels squad is ready to tackle a NRL season.
The former plumber and “park player” is the Eels’ Head of Physical Preparation and Performance.
He joined the Eels coaching staff in November after nine years with the Cronulla Sharks and he likes what he sees.
“The boys have worked very hard,” Elkin said yesterday.
“We identified a few areas we had to address and focused on them over the off-season.”
Training has been hard, mostly two sessions a day, sometimes three, he said.
Some field sessions, he said, can go up to two hours and some strength and conditioning sessions about 90 minutes.
“We’ve covered all the bases,” Elkin said.
A plumber by trade, he elected to tackle a career change a decade ago and has never regretted it.
“I’ve always been involved in sport,” he said.
“I coached amateur fighters and played footie but not at this level, just in local stuff.”
As for the Eels.
“They’re a good bunch of young blokes.
“They are real good workers, have worked really hard.
“Their response has been very good.”
Former Wests hooker Cherry Mescia is also a part of the strength and conditioning department at the Eels and his easy-going nature is a positive for the young Eels.
He doesn’t miss playing all that much but the bouncy former number nine misses the camaraderie he had from playing with some fit and committed young teammates.
That camaraderie he hopes to be part of with the Eels under new coach Ricky Stuart.