The Parramatta Eels take on the Penrith Panthers on Saturday 22 April at ANZ Stadium for Round Eight of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Blue & Gold forward Daniel Alvaro says the Eels will take plenty of confidence from their come from behind victory over the Wests Tigers last week, however there is still plenty of areas the side needs to work on.
“We got a lot of confidence out of the win over the Wests Tigers, but we still know we have a lot to work on.” Alvaro said.
“It was just good to get the win after not the start we wanted this year.”
“It is definitely not somewhere you want to be [trailing 22-10] but we got a lot of confidence fighting back and knowing we can do that if we have to. We are looking forward to next week now.” He added.
“They are still a quality team and will be dangerous so we will have to be on our game but we are all looking forward to the challenge” Alvaro said on the Panthers who are coming off three consecutive losses.
Whilst there was plenty of media speculation around Mitchell Moses in the lead up to last week’s game, Alvaro said that the talks were not affecting the Blue & Gold squad, they were more focused about what they needed to improve.
“There is not too much talk on Mitchell Moses to be honest, we are more worried about this weekend. We have a lot of stuff we have to fix up, even though we did win, we can still be a lot better and we want to get on top of that as quick as we can” Alvaro said.
“It hasn’t been spoken about at all. It is footy so things can change pretty quick so we will just see what pans out.” He added.
“Everyone is happy to play wherever so wherever is best for the team I am sure everyone will jump on board.”
And the Eels will be without forward Peni Terepo, who suffered a pectoral injury in last week’s game, and Alvaro felt for the fellow forward who had worked hard to get back onto the football field.
“It’s terrible for Peni,” Avlaro said.
“He missed the start of the year and he was playing some really good footy and has worked really hard. It’s a massive shame to lose him.”
The Eels kick off against the Penrith Panthers in Round Eight of the NRL Telstra Premiership at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 22 April. Kick off is at 3pm.
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