Caption: Jorge Taufua (left) and Api Koroisau hit the bikes during training at Novotel Pacific Bay Coffs Harbour. Koroisaui returns to field work this week.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Coach Trent Barrett was diligent when assessing where his extremely talented playing squad is currently at.
Fresh from a short break over the festive season, Barrett says preparations are going well on the back of a very successful week long camp in Coffs Harbour prior to Christmas.
“The camp was very good. We achieved what we set out to do and it was a good reward to take the players somewhere nice like that. It is a good facility there at the Novotel Pacific Resort,’’ Barrett said.
“We had plenty to do but I wanted the players to walk away from training (on the second last day) confident that if we had to play on that day, we would be able to put a game together. They did that.
“Having the likes of Brett Stewart, Jamie Lyon and Steve Matai in the squad certainly lifted the training standard and it just showed again how valuable these senior players are to the team.
“It is the same with Nate Myles, Lewis Brown and Martin Taupau. They all bring their own leadership skills and complement each other well.
“I am lucky to have them. The senior players are always going to have a big influence over your playing group and if they are on board, it makes my job a lot easier.
“Brett, Jamie and Steve have been very successful for a very long time, so they are a good influence on the younger blokes here.
“I can’t ask of anything more from the players with their commitment to training. It has been quite hard but they are in a good place at the moment.”
Barrett said new five-eighth Dylan Walker had settled well into the team and was working hard with half-back Daly Cherry-Evans.
“It is going to take some time for Dylan and Daly as they are a new halves combination and Dylan hasn’t played a lot of five-eighth,’’ Barrett said.
“But just watching Dylan at training, I can see he is a natural five-eighth. He still has a lot to learn but he is adapting well.
“Dylan is a terrific athlete and is extremely fast but we need to put the right people around him to ensure we see the best of him.”
Barrett revealed new hooker Api Koroisau return to field work this week after recovering from a shoulder reconstruction.
“It is going to be touch and go whether Api gets a trial game in or makes it back for round one. He is aiming for the Ipswich Jets trial at Pittwater Park on February 20,’’ he said.
“Api brings a different dynamic to the team. He and (fellow hooker) Matt Parcell are different style of players which is good. We are very lucky to have both of them here.”
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