The Parramatta Eels 2014 District Representative players have had their official introduction to the season ahead, meeting with their coaches and trainers ahead of their first training session next month.
Game Development Manager Michael Basan says after a strong season for both Harold Matthews Cup and SG Ball in 2013, he's looking forward to preparing a new lot of players.
"I think both our squads look quite strong; we've spent a lot of time selecting the teams with our own internal trials, and having looked at a lot of football throughout the junior season," he said.
"I think we were only two games off the perfect season for both our Matts and Ball teams last year, so we expect nothing different this year and the coaching staff and players will be putting their best foot forward."
The squad of players will be put through a tough pre-season preparing their teenage bodies for the physicality of the tougher representative competition.
"[Our new players] are not going to be used to the three training sessions a week and the physicality and getting used to the gym - so their bodies are going to change a lot," Basan said.
"They'll see lot of personal development with diet and nutrition, and the amount of training they're going to endure will be tough at times, but it will be quite rewarding at the end of the season."
Basan says their selection process has been very thorough, and says they're looking for players willing to give their everything to the club.
"We're looking for natural ability, but probably the one-percenters; someone who is willing to sacriice and make those one-on-one tackles, and chase across field and do the little things other players aren't willing to do, so you look for that and the leaders in your team."
Good luck to the boys for their pre-season ahead, and congratulations for being the Parramatta Eels district representatives!
Game Development Manager Michael Basan says after a strong season for both Harold Matthews Cup and SG Ball in 2013, he's looking forward to preparing a new lot of players.
"I think both our squads look quite strong; we've spent a lot of time selecting the teams with our own internal trials, and having looked at a lot of football throughout the junior season," he said.
"I think we were only two games off the perfect season for both our Matts and Ball teams last year, so we expect nothing different this year and the coaching staff and players will be putting their best foot forward."
The squad of players will be put through a tough pre-season preparing their teenage bodies for the physicality of the tougher representative competition.
"[Our new players] are not going to be used to the three training sessions a week and the physicality and getting used to the gym - so their bodies are going to change a lot," Basan said.
"They'll see lot of personal development with diet and nutrition, and the amount of training they're going to endure will be tough at times, but it will be quite rewarding at the end of the season."
Basan says their selection process has been very thorough, and says they're looking for players willing to give their everything to the club.
"We're looking for natural ability, but probably the one-percenters; someone who is willing to sacriice and make those one-on-one tackles, and chase across field and do the little things other players aren't willing to do, so you look for that and the leaders in your team."
Good luck to the boys for their pre-season ahead, and congratulations for being the Parramatta Eels district representatives!
