The Dyldam Parramatta Eels kick off the season against the Brisbane Broncos and we caught up with Assistant Coach Pete Gentle for our Round One Game Day Preview, brought to you by betting.club
Gentle says the Blue and Gold are expecting a tough assignment against last year's grand finalists, however will be confident in their approach to the game.
"Well we have waited four months for this to come around," Gentle said of the season opener.
"It has been a lot of hard work but credit to our S&C staff and medical staff who got us through. We are bigger and stronger and raring to go up against last year's grand finalists who were 1 minute away from being the premiers"
"Watching the game against Wigan, they have kicked off where they left off but it will be a tough assignment but we have done a fair bit of homework and we will be confident in what we are trotting out."
After a long four months of pre-season trainig, Gentle says the coaching staff will bekeen to see a strong effort and disciple from the Blue and Gold in their season opener.
"The effort areas. The things that are non negotiable," Gentle said.
"There are going to be errors and it will take a little bit of time to gel but if everyone brings their effort and disciple we will be okay."
And with 2016 seeing a change in the interchange rules, with a maximum amount of 8 interchanges made during the game, Gentle says the Eels have been preparing well for the new rules.
"The back end of last year, we had Tim Mannah and Junior Paulo playing 25-30 minute stints, and we had already started to put a bit of time into their legs last year so I don't think it will play a part on us a great deal." Gentle said.
"Injuries will obviously play a part on the interchange but eveyrone goes out there expecting to play some time and are expected to do their job. Being tired is not an excuse."
The Eels kick off their season against the Brisbane Broncos tonight at Pirtek Stadium, kick off at 8:05pm. Click here to purchase your tickets to the season opener!
