Chapter 97 – World Cup Opener
Later – Small-Sided Possession Drills
One-touch. No time.
Clack! Tap! Tap!"Switch!""Faster!"
Nathan spun past Conor Gallagher, popped the ball to Trent, got it back—Thud!—and twisted through a gap that barely existed. A flick outside the boot, and the ball was gone again.
Sweat dripped. Vision blurred. But he was flying.
Then—Crack!—a late challenge from Stones sent him staggering.
"Oy!" Jude snapped. "Chill, it's training!"
Stones held up a hand. "All ball."
Nathan got up with a grin, brushing grass off his shorts. "He's fine. Let's keep it going."
After the Session – Cooling Down by the Sideline
The squad sprawled out along the benches, chugging water and rubbing out cramps. Trainers walked between them, spraying ice packs and wrapping tight hamstrings.
Jude wandered over, tossing a towel around his neck. He sat down beside Nathan and nudged him with an elbow.
"Alright," he said, smirking. "Here's the deal."
Nathan raised an eyebrow.
