The Dyldam Parramatta Eels are preparing to take on the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval this Thursday (14 April) and Blue and Gold second rower Tepai Moeroa says the side’s attack needs to continue to click.
After another big defensive effort against the Raiders last week, coming away with the two points after a 36-6 victory, Moeroa says the big defensive hauls may come to hurt the Eels at the back end of games.
“We had a big defensive effort against Canberra, and hopefully we can back it up against the Sea Eagles,” Moeroa said.
“Hopefully we don’t have to defend 6-7 sets on our try line like we did last week, but that is something we have worked on.”
“It gives everyone a bit of a boost that we can back our defence, but we can’t rely on that. The back end of games, that is where it will hurt us.” Moeroa added.
However off the back of strong defensive performances from the Eels over the past few weeks, the Blue and Gold offence, in particular the left edge, began to click with Michael Jennings crossing for two tries last week.
Moeroa hopes to see further improvements.
“Normy and Foz are starting to get their combination going which is good to see,” Moeroa said.
“Jenko got a double, and that was due to the left edge running their attack. They are starting to click and hopefully against Manly, we can click a bit more and play some footy.”
And looking ahead to Thursday nights clash at Brookvale Oval, Moeroa expects a big contest up front, including coming face to face with former teammate Darcy Lussick.
“They are a strong side with Marty Taupau and the two Trbojevic's. They will be able taking it to us up the middle and hopefully we can front up and give a big defensive effort,” Moeroa said.
“It will be good to play against Darcy Lussick. We will probably get in his ear during the game and try and get him to bite.” He joked.
“We will see what we can get from him.”
The Eels kick off against the Sea Eagles on Thursday, April 14, at 7.50pm. The Round 7 clash will also be centre Michael Jennings' 200th NRL appearance.
