Dyldam Parramatta Eels forward and utility Joseph Paulo has played all over the park for the Blue and Gold since arriving at the club, but he says his bond with the club’s back rowers is the key to making a success of his latest role as lock.
Wearing the number 13 for the past three rounds, Paulo says head Coach Brad Arthur has given him a clear mission on game day.
“Brad’s really wanted me to be a link man to the halves on the edges,” Paulo said.
“For me it’s about getting the forwards going and trying to allow some shape in the middle for us to provide for the backs, with the likes of Hops and Haynsey [in our side].”
Working with the Eels’ forwards means combining with back-rowers Kenny Edwards and Manu Ma’u, and the trio have formed a firm bond.
“We do have that bond off the field, and it’s obviously paying dividends on the field” Paulo said.
“We always try to work together when we’re at training, and then obviously hanging out and meeting their partners and their families, and it’s just allowing us to play and enjoy our footy on the field.”
The next task for Paulo and his fellow forwards is the Wests Tigers pack, which is already making waves this season with a combination of confidence and execution.
Coming off a win against the North Queensland cowboys in Round 6, the Tigers pack will be missing hooker Robbie Farah, but still boasts some of the form players of the competition so far, including props Aaron Woods and Keith Galloway.
“Their 4 front rowers have been obviously making an impact on the NRL,” Paulo said.
“This week we know that for us to make a stamp on their forward pack we have to stop their front rowers: we’ll do a lot of video watch how far these guys have come and see if we can stop that momentum.”
Round 7 is #forthefarmers, with the Eels taking on the Tigers on Easter Monday in an Eels home game at ANZ Stadium. With a 4pm kick off, we encourage everyone to arrive early and take advantage of the FREE public transport and Eels shuttle to get the game. Click to find out how to get to the game, or buy your tickets today!
