Tweed Heads Seagulls coach Aaron Zimmerle was delighted with the attitude and efforts of his squad of 32 players who embarked on a weekend camp in Ballina over the weekend.
With so many new players in the squad it was a combination of valuable time on the training paddock (three sessions on Saturday and Sunday) and just as valuable time enjoying each other’s company in a relaxed environment.
“We covered plenty structurally. They were trying to learn a lot in a small space of time but from the second session on Saturday intensity and confidence rose and on Sunday they were outstanding,” Zimmerle said.
“It showed that they learned how to deal with setbacks and able to work through any sort of problems they were having. As a group, they took some ownership of what we’re trying to do.
“It was a great ‘get to know each other’ weekend too and no matter how serious we want to be and want to win, if it’s not enjoyable you’re not going to get the best performance out of them either.
“They have to be happy together, enjoy each other’s company and have good times and memories to look back on; so, winning or not, they have a reason to show up.
“That’s what I enjoyed about the weekend. They worked hard, they applied themselves but in the group dynamics they showed a lot of characters and it made it fun.
“The boys also learned how to take a big breath and relax over the two days. When you’re trying to execute something and maybe overthinking, putting pressure on yourselves ultimately everyone gets tense then it can become error after error.
“But learned to slow down and thought and relaxed at times and they did well at it.”
VIDEO: Some action from Saturday afternoon’s session.
The players arrived Saturday and departed early afternoon Sunday and covered plenty of territory. Among the 32 players were Seagulls stalwarts like James Wood, Nathanael Barnes and Sam Meskell along with newcomers Nick Harrold, Lama Liolevave, Talor Walters, Jack Cook and Mackenzie Reid.
Intensity in training will lift from this week with the first trial, against Newcastle Knights in Saturday February 4 at Murwillumbah, getting closer and players keen to press their claims for inclusion.
Some Seagulls-allocated Titans-contracted players may strengthen the squad, so it will be a full-scale first hit-out.
The following Saturday (February 11) those who don’t take on the Knights will filter into the squad to take on Intrust Super Cup champions Burleigh Bears at Mudgeeraba then the side close to that which will start the Cup season against Ipswich will take on Souths Logan.
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