Dyldam Parramatta Eels centre Will Hopoate has praised his two captains Tim Mannah and Jarryd Hayne, for their extra efforts contributing to the 14-12 win over the Sydney Roosters at Pirtek Stadium.
After outlasting the reigning premiers, Hopoate says watching his side's leaders holding up Sonny Bill Williams over the tryline was great to see.
"That was inspirational from both our skippers, Timmy and Haynesy holding up a great player like Sonny, and it was because of that effort, we came away with the win," Hopoate said.
"I think that’s the belief we’re creating here within the team and the club; whenever one of us makes a decision we’re striving to be there to cover for each other."
After nudging back in front in the first ten minutes of the second half, the boys defended repeat sets from the Roosters to keep them scoreless.
"It was a tough ask, probably the toughest 30 minutes ever," he said.
"But credit to the boys, we hung in there and we came away with the two points."
"It’s definitely a good feeling around the club and amongst the boys, but we still know there’s plenty of things to improve, so we’ve just got to build from here."
