Dyldam Parramatta Eels second-rower Kenny Edwards says winning the forward battle is key to building on last week’s strong performance when the Eels take on the Panthers in the Battle of the West on Saturday.
Returning to lock against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in Round Three, Edwards pointed to the efforts of the Blue and Gold forward pack as one of the positives from the 22-18 loss.
“Coming off the loss on the weekend we were a bit down,” Edwards said.
“We were not happy to come way with the loss, but we were happy with the way we went, especially in our wrestle.”
“The last week [against the Roosters] it was practically non-existent, but we worked really hard during the week and there’s always room for improvement.”
“I thought the boys played well, I thought we won the ruck, but at the end of the day we don’t get the two points.”
Following a tough two weeks on the road playing the 2013 Premiers and their grand final opponents in the space of two weeks, the Eels return home to take on an in-form Penrith side in the Battle of the West. and Edwards said the Round 3 loss will be motivating the Eels in their preparations.
“We do get a bit of confidence out of coming that close to a grand finalist, team but we’re not happy,” Edwards said.
“We’ll be working harder this week to try and get the W.”
