Dyldam Parramatta Eels new recruit Michael Gordon joins the Blue and Gold ahead of the 2016 season and the 179 game veteran has been working hard in his first few weeks in the new colours.
Gordon joins the Eels side with his eyes focused on his own personal game and improving combinations after joining a new backline.
“It has been awesome pulling on the new colours. We did some testing last week and had a pretty solid session this morning but so far so good,” Gordon said.
“There are a lot of new players and new faces for myself, and some of the other boys and it’s all about trying to build those combinations with the halves and some of the forwards in particular and hopefully work on little things that hopefully can improve all of our games.”
With the Blue and Gold in their second week of 2016 pre-season training, Gordon said it was still too early to have expectations of what was to lie ahead, but the fullback was focused on putting his best effort forward every time he hits the training paddock.
“It is hard to have expectations early but everyone is looking good. There are some big boys around here and a lot of fit blokes as well so at this time of year it is all about combinations, getting fit and getting the miles in the legs,” Gordon said.
“At this time of year I just try and get myself fit and strong and get my body right for a long season.” He added.
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The fullback has played with a limited number of Eels players during his career, however admitted there were a lot of new faces.
With plenty of experience, Gordon said that there is not only the pressure to help develop the younger Eels, but pressure to constantly improve his own game and perform at the highest level week in, week out.
“Majority of the team are so young and they all look like they have long careers ahead of them so I am excited to be a part of their journey and hopefully they will inspire me as well,” Gordon said.
“I think there is pressure in the job no matter how old you are. I think I have learnt to deal with it better over the years but I think I am at the stage where I know I have to perform week in week out,” he added.
“I know that’s what’s expected of me and that’s what I expect of myself so ill be putting in max effort every game and that’s what I try to base my game around.”
And along with the new teammates, Gordon was excited to work with the Eels coaching staff.
“I asked a few people before I came over and no one had a bad word to say about him,” Gordon said of Head Coach Brad Arthur.
“I had a few meetings with him and a few chats over the phone and I just liked the way he went about his business and I think so far so good, he is definitely ticking all the boxes.”
“I am looking forward to working with Steve Murphy again, he was my coach back at Tweed back in the day so I have come full circle and it’s good to see a familiar face around.” He added.
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