Eels slip into Ellerston

THE Parramatta Eels have been tight lipped in regard to their 2008 training camp held at the illustrious Upper Hunter Ellerston property, owned by the Packer family.

But in an exclusive interview with The Advocate, the club gave insight into what it was like to train in a millionaire’s playground.

According to Parramatta Eels club manager Andrew Hill, it has been a matter of respect that stopped the club from revealing the camp’s location.

“Out of respect for the property we didn’t say too much about it,” he said.

According to Mr Hill, James Packer personally approved the decision to hold the camp at Ellerston, despite previously holding a director position at rival club, The Sydney Roosters.

“I think he’s probably a Roosters fan,” Mr Hill commented.

Twenty five of the team’s top players, including current Australian and NSW winger Jarryd Hayne attended the camp at Ellerston.

“It was unbelievable, just awesome. Once we got there everything just came to life,” Jarryd told The Advocate.

The NSW Winger said not only was it great to get away, but that he was also able to get some insight into what it would be like to go on a billionaire’s holiday.

“The facilities are fantastic. I mostly went on the go-carts. Tom Cruise’s personal go-cart was there, and I almost beat Prince Harry’s record on the track. It was good to just get away and try something different.”

The team arrived at the property on Sunday, January 13 and while they did get some time to enjoy the facilities, training was also on the menu.

Head coach Michael Hagan said despite being on a property frequented by Hollywood stars and members of the royal family, for the Eels it was business as usual.

“We pretty much followed a similar training program as we would have in Sydney. We just relocated the players and staff to a better environment that was free from distractions, coach Hagan said.”

The Eels head coach also agreed the property offered great down time facilities for the players.

“On Tuesday after training a few of the boys played a bit of golf and some took a look around the property.”

Also enjoying a round of golf at Ellerston last week was ex-Newcastle Knights captain Andrew Johns.

“Andrew came up and went through some training skills with the back and back runners. We had a chance for a game of golf together,” coach Hagan said.

Before leaving the players signed a significant number of autographs for staff at Ellerston, and said they hope this won’t be their last trip to the property.

“The facilities are fantastic and hopefully we’ll get invited back some day,” coach Hagan said.

Round One of the NRL season begins on March 14.