The Parramatta Eels have today touched down in their home away from home, the Northern Territory for a week long pre-season training camp in the Blue & Gold’s home away from home.
Returning to the Northern Territory, the Eels are again planning a full twelve-month calendar of visits to #eelsterritory, including this week’s visit.
Speaking upon their arrival, Eels forward David Gower says the side’s trip to the NT will be beneficial for all, coming closer together as a squad.
“We are pretty excited to be here,” Gower said upon arrival.
“We have usually played a trial up here so it’s normally game time at that point of the season for us, but we are three-four weeks into the pre-season so our bodies needed a bit of a rest and we have come to the nice, cool, tropical centre of Australia.”
“It is pretty ordinary in Sydney at the moment so it is nice to see the sunshine and the blue skies here in the NT. There are a few guys that have even packed the coconut oil!”
The week long trip in the NT will bring plenty of benefits to the squad says Gower.
“It’s important to get away. Sometimes everyone has their own lives in Sydney and once training finishes everyone disperses one way or the other so we have a few young guys that have stepped up into the full time squad this year, and a few new guys coming into the squad,” Gower said.
“It’s good to be together 24/7, have a few laughs, share a few jokes and really get to know one another a little bit more intimate.”
The Eels last week welcomed Jarryd Hayne back to the Blue & Gold and the experienced Gower said his inclusion in the squad will only bring further competition and competitiveness.
“I think everyone is excited, he is a world class play, played Origin the last few years and we know what he did for us in 2014 and if he can bring that sort of level, commitment and dedication again to us next year, we are definitely going to be a better team for it,” Gower said of Hayne’s signing.
“I was with Jarryd in 2014 at Parramatta, it was my first year at the club, and at times Jarryd was expected to win games for us and this year we proved we are a Top Four side and can compete in every game, in every minute, so we need Jarryd to do a job that Brad requires and that the team requires of him.”
“We are very lucky that we have a lot of good quality depth in our whole squad, backs and forwards. I think competition breeds better performances so no one can afford to get complacent or they will find themselves playing reserve grade.” Gower added.
Click here to see the entire Eels schedule in the Northern Territory.
