Blindside: How Des Hasler scares Sea Eagles players to perform
SEA Eagles centre Brad Parker has given an insight into the coaching methods of Des Hasler, revealing how the “fear factor” had helped lift his performances this season.
SEA Eagles centre Brad Parker has given an insight into the coaching methods of Des Hasler, revealing how the “fear factor” had helped lift his performances this season.
“He puts a bit more accountability on me,” the Manly junior said.
“He makes me so scared to do something (wrong), I won’t do it again.
“This pre-season I would drop a ball and he would just scream at me and I’d freeze up that much.
“And the next week I just won’t drop a ball.”
Parker said Hasler was also very good at giving him tips on how to work on his game in areas like catch-pass and how to carry the ball.
“He always analyses everything and picks up on things I don’t see, and with his video he shows where I can improve,” Parker said.
BIG HELP, BY JORGE
AFTER playing on the wing last season Parker is now finding his feet starting at his preferred position in the centres.
He credits winger Jorge Taufua and suspended teammate Dylan Walker with also being a big help in his game.
Taufua will give him a rev up on the field if he is not talking.
“ ‘Walks’ is still around the camp, he still picks me up on my game and tells me where I can improve,” Parker said.
“And he tells me when I am doing well and that gives me a lot of confidence.”
Parker, 22, comes off contract at the end of the season and right now just wants to focus on his football.
“I’d prefer to stay at Manly,” he said.
KINGFISHERS’ CATCH
THE Cromer Kingfishers A grade rugby league team have pulled off a big coup by securing the services of former Sea Eagle Billy Bainbridge.
Still only 21, the talented backrower was a rising Manly star just two years ago.
And he was one the standouts in last Sunday’s 42-0 win over Moorebank.
The club has also recruited flying wlnger Robada Labalaba who played for the Fijian sevens team a few years ago.
There will be another very familiar face in the Cromer side to play Narrabeen in the big derby at St Matthews Farm tomorrow (1.30pm).
The evergreen former NRL star Jason Ferris will continue to defy Father Time by lacing up the boots to play alongside his son Nick, who is Kingfishers skipper.
“I’ll either play him in the halves or at No.9,” said Cromer Craig Elmas.
“He is just a competitor and with his vision of the game, I just can’t wait to get him out there.”
In other games Avalon plays St Johns Eagles at Smith Park, Belrose plays Narraweena at Lionel Watts and Forestville are away to Greenacre.
HORSING AROUND
MEMBERS of the Newport Breakers rugby team are going for a gallop today – but it won’t be on the rugby field.
The club had to cancel their trial against Forest because five players are going to a wedding – and another 22 are heading to Royal Randwick to witness the final race of mighty mare Winx.
“That is subbies rugby, hopefully Winx might give them some tips on the importance of finishing strongly, ” said Breakers coach Eddie Wayling, straight from the horse’s mouth.
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