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Dyldam Parramatta Eels front rower Danny Wicks says the mood around the Blue and Gold squad is a positive one after their 16-12 victory over the Dragons at Pirtek Stadium on Saturday night.

The Eels ground out a tough victory over the Dragons to claim the two points, and Wicks said that the squad has taken plenty of positives from the clash and are looking forward to their upcoming Round 17 clash at ANZ Stadium against the Wests Tigers.

“The mood is a lot better around the camp after coming back after a loss,” Wicks joked.

“It is a good feeling around camp at the moment, everyone is together sticking strong and we are looking forward to Monday nights game.”

Head Coach Brad Arthur praised his players and the Blue and Gold Army after the match and Wicks said that whilst it was important to get the two points last week, the side still has plenty of improvements to make which is a promising sign for the future.

“There are areas of improvement to be honest,” Wicks said of the feedback Arthur gave his side.

“There is a lot more we could be doing, and we could sharpen that pencil a lot further which is promising. We are just looking forward to getting out there on Monday.”

Eels debutant Cody Nelson topped the tackle count, making 54 tackles from his 80 minutes, including one line break and two offloads during his first hit out in the Blue and Gold, and Wicks had praise for his fellow forward.

“Codes will be stoked with that,” Wicks said of Nelson being named in Rugby League Week’s Team of the Week.

“To be honest, what more could you have wanted from the bloke? 50 tackles and didn’t let anyone down” he added.

Looking forward to the Round 17 clash against the Wests Tigers, Wicks said that the Blue and Gold opposition will still pose a threat without their Origin stars, however the Eels will be buoyed as they welcome back enforcer Manu Ma’u who returns from suspension.

“They are a dangerous side even without some of their stars,” Wicks said.

“Farah steers them around and big Woodsy keeps chewing up the metres but it won’t change anyone’s game plan. They still have a couple of big blokes floating around and we will have a bit of fun up front.”.

“Minuses for the Tigers and pluses for the Eels. Manu will be ready and raring to go and he should be fresh!” Wicks added.

The Eels will take on the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on Monday 6 July, kick off at 7pm. Eels Members will also enjoy free reciprocal Member access to the game - click through for more information.

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Parramatta Eels respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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