http://www.centralwesterndaily.com....al/tough-first-day-back-for-eels/1984883.aspx
Tough first day back for Eels
BY NICK MCGRATH
01 Nov, 2010 07:16 PM
RUGBY LEAGUE
YESTERDAY was a new day for the Parramatta Eels in more ways than one.
November 1 marked the blue and golds first day back at training in preparation for the 2011 NRL season and for former Orange CYMS half Daniel Mortimer, getting back into the groove of things proved a bit harder than he thought it would.
But yesterdays date also signalled the beginning of Stephen Kearneys reign as Eels coach.
Mortimer said the NRL squad had a short meeting with the clubs new mentor yesterday morning, and Kearneys attitude had already become infectious.
He was only here for a little while and then he had to jet back to camp with New Zealand in Melbourne, Mortimer said.
He basically came in and laid down the law. He said if everyone wants it as much as he does then the club would be successful.
Mortimer said a number of new faces were at the clubs first session.
A lot of the younger boys are training with us and guys like Casey Maguire and Carl Webb, the experienced guys, were all there, he said.
It was good to get back into things, catch up with everyone, and then get stuck into training.
And thats where the enjoyment ended.
Eels conditioner Hayden Knowles put the squad through their paces, running them to a stand still around Parramatta Park.
We did two laps around the park and I think one lap is 10 kilometres, Mortimer said.
We did a lot of running. It was a big shock to a few of the boys including me.
Kearney, the New Zealand national coach for the past three years, takes over from Daniel Anderson as the Eels head coach in 2011.
What plans Kearney has for Mortimer are unknown.
Its widely tipped that former Manly premiership winning halfback Matt Orford will sign on with the club after receiving a release from his contract with Bradford in the English Super League.
Mortimer could partner Orford in the halves but the 21-year-old said nothing was set in stone at this early stage.
Not at all. Its only the first day. There are a lot of new players and guys that can play in a few positions. I dont think anything will be decided until next year, he said.
Regardless of all that, Mortimer is just keen to get back out on the field.
Last season was a forgettable one for Mortimer and he believes 2011 will be a big one for himself, and the club.
Im definitely excited for this year (2011) to begin, he said.
I really want to get out there and prove myself and really take my skills to the next level. The Eels will head to the New England region today as part of the clubs Blue and Gold Deadly Heart program.
Totally!
