The Dyldam Parramatta Eels have hosted four rugby league coaches from the Northern Territory Rugby League this week, as part of our exciting partnership in the Northern Territory to grow the game.
The coaches spent some time watching the Blue and Gold train, learning from our development staff across the board and attending Parramatta District Representative Training (16s and U18s) sessions.
It has been amazing just to be exposed to this level to what the boys do, it certainly showcases where it is at at NRL level for our local coaching staff” said David High, Operations Manager NRL NT and coach.
The Parramatta Eels play their first trial game of the season in Alice Springs on February 13 against the Wests Tigers - and High says watching Brad with the boys has been a special experience.
“It is just so professional. Everything is down to the ‘nth degree and all the boxes are ticked and it has been amazing to see how they operate,” said High.
“We don’t do a lot different up in the Northern Territory in regard to the shapes and the plays but I think it is just the speed and the professionalism and the way they do it.”
“It is just flat out all the time. It’s just a different level,” he added.
Undoubtedly these coaches are looking forward to benefiting from the Eels’ presence in the Territory until the end of 2017, with a big focus on growing the game in areas where rugby league may not be the most popular sport.
“We have just gone through a rebranding recently with the NRL. We are now the NRL NT which is amazing for the game up there and I think the partnership with the Eels, the government and local rugby league has been fantastic for the game” said High.
“The initiative between the government and the Eels and the local governing body is an important one for the game.”
“We need to make inroads into the AFL, and we are slowly, and the support of Parramatta is helping us do that.”
