Thunder coach puts faith in training ahead of Bulls clash

NEWCASTLE Thunder head coach Eamon O’carroll is hoping more training for players returning from injury will see his side build on a

22-52 win over London Broncos last weekend, as they travel to face Bradford Bulls today in rugby league’s Betfred Championship (KO 6pm).

Thunder were boosted ahead of last week’s trip to the capital as six of the club’s key squad members returned from long-term injuries, with the performance levels stepping up a gear as a result. And while some rustiness was apparent as partnerships reunited, O’carroll is confident this week’s focus on on-field sessions will help.

“I sensed in the week with getting some senior payers back that we would perform well but without it being perfect, so we certainly came out of the game with things to work on, but I was just happy to see lads like Ukuma [Ta’ai], Alex [Foster] and Josh [Woods].

“You could see that bit of experience out there and it helped us massively. The lads we have had in the squad while they have been unavailable have gained some good experience which will stand us in good stead moving forward but I think everyone was happy looking around the changing rooms and seeing those leaders back. The intensity and the standard of our training naturally lifted, and you could see generally there was a buzz about the place.”

Placing a focus on on-field sessions to allow returning players to work on their combinations, O’carroll is happy with how training has gone. It’s not a case of you’re getting five or six players back and it clicks straight away, you need to spend some time together and that is what we have been looking to do.”