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Official 2026 off-season training program for all competition grades.
The Pakenham Eels are set to kick off their official 2026 off-season training program for all Rugby League competition grades, running from Thursday 6 November, 6 pm to 8 pm at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve. This structured block marks the beginning of the 2026 campaign and will give every player from Under-13 Boys to Senior Men and Women, the chance to build a genuine head start before pre-season officially begins.
The 2026 off-season training program is open to players across every competition grade:
Senior Men’s – https://bit.ly/2026_EOI_Senior_Mens (please submit an Expression of Interest)
Senior Women’s (tackle & tag)
Under 20 Men’s (pre-season competition – open to players 17 to 20)
Under 18 Boys & Under 18 Girls
Under 16 Boys & Under 16 Girls
Under 15 Boys
Under 14 Boys & Under 14 Girls
Under 13 Boys
Coaching and Support Staff
Coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, and team managers are also encouraged to get involved in the 2026 off-season training program by completing an Expression of Interest for their respective age groups.
Senior Men’s Staff EOI: https://bit.ly/2026_EOI_SeniorMens_Staff_Form
Senior Women’s Staff EOI: https://bit.ly/2026_Womens_Coaching_EOI
Junior Competition Grades Staff EOI: https://bit.ly/2026_EOI_Junior_Comp_Grade_Staff
please note – expressions of interest applications are not a guarantee of the position being successfully awarded
Every Rep Counts. Every Session Matters.
When: Thursday 6th November (running until mid December) – Under 13’s and Under 14’s will run once per week every Thursday.
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: Comely Banks Recreation Reserve, Officer.
2026 off-season training sessions will run every Tuesday and Thursday evening for all grades 15+, with under 13’s and under 14’s being Thursday only.
Sessions will combine high-intensity fieldwork paired with gym and conditioning components. The initial session will focus on collecting baseline fitness levels though testing. This will allow for benchmarks for later testing and tailored fitness work within the training sessions moving forward. Age-appropriate conditioning and core fundamentals will provide a foundation for skill development, positional awareness, and injury prevention in addition to strength and speed.
Each age group will follow a plan that balances strength, speed, and skills. Junior players can expect modified workloads and progressive drills suited to their stage of development, while certain older junior grades and senior squads will integrate advanced conditioning and tactical systems reflective of the 2026 season goals.
Female Pathways Expanding
The 2026 off-season training program will also support the rapid growth of the female rugby league program. Insights gathered from the upcoming Female Forum (Thursday 30 October), will shape tailored training environments for both the Senior Women’s and Junior Girls grades. The focus: building confidence in contact, refining tackle and tag variations, and ensuring equal access to elite development resources.
The Eels remain committed to creating sustainable female pathways from U14’s Girls through to Senior Women’s competition and this off-season is a major step toward that vision.
Why Off-Season Training Matters
Off-season blocks are where quality players and teams are built. Consistent attendance helps player to:
– Improve aerobic capacity and strength before competition loads increase
– Rebuild technical habits, catch-pass quality, tackle efficiency, and defensive shape
– Reduce injury risk during pre-season ramp-ups
– Build accountability and team culture across all grades
For younger players, it’s also an opportunity to train alongside senior mentors, learn professional habits early, and develop leadership traits that carry into school, club and representative rugby league.
Looking Ahead
The full off-season training schedule and testing structure will be released soon. Players are reminded to bring running shoes, boots, and a water bottle to every session. Attendance will be tracked to help coaches tailor conditioning programs and monitor player progress.
The Pakenham Eels’ off-season is more than a training block—it’s a commitment to excellence and preparation for a breakthrough 2025 season.
Whether you’re aiming to push for a senior debut or simply want to stay sharp through summer, now is the time to start. Register your Expression of Interest and be part of the next wave of Eels development.
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