DAY 11 – It was up and at ’em early this morning – but the 6.45am start was a little too early for one or two with team leader, Derek Traynor, being the first person ever to be late for breakfast duties.
The rest of his group did a sterling job whilst Derek enjoyed a few extra minutes snoozing!
The main focus of this morning’s training session was team defence in and around the ruck area; a part of the game that Derek wants to freshen up on before the tough challenges ahead.
Then after a quick shower it was straight onto the bus for a visit to the Sydney Cricket Ground for the tour team photograph. International touring teams have had these photos taken for many years and we are very honoured to still be one of very few clubs to ever be allowed to tread the turf.
This is always a stressful time for some of the staff, ensuring kits are ready and pressed, kids are scrubbed up well and everyone has the required attire and footwear.
It seemed to go well with only a couple of hiccups… Jordan Olmez having to do the mad dash from the bus as he had forgotten his boots and both Kevin Brown and Danny Edwards getting confused between the compulsory black boots and their fluorescent green selections!
A big thank you to friend of the club, Peter O’Sullivan of the Sydney Roosters who then led a guided tour of the SCG, the Allianz Stadium and the Roosters training facility before we headed over to the wet ‘n’ wild water park.
The English like weather of 13 degrees didn’t deter this hardy group as the afternoon was spent splashing around in the pools and having fun on the slides.
The staff enjoyed themselves far more than the kids; Rushie leading the way, with Paul Molyneux perfecting his dismount from a rubber ring with an unrehearsed backward somersault. The lads enjoyed themselves, especially Brad Pinder, Matty Lees and Levy Nzoungou who were impressing the locals with their dance moves in the sand.
A special mention needs to go to Jordan Gibbons, who overcame his fear of heights to conquer a few of the slides, much to do with the help of Physio Jonny Skinner who held his hand throughout.
This was our first ever visit but we will be definitely hoping to return in years to come.
The tiring day led to an early night for most, with attention again turning to Sunday’s game against Parramatta, starting with 8am training in the morning.
By Ian Talbot
