Dyldam Parramatta Eels Head Coach Brad Arthur has said a lack of spirit let the Blue and Gold down in Townsville on Saturday night.
Despite mounting a 14-point comeback in the first half to narrow the Cowboys’ early 18-0 lead down to just 18-14, the Eels were unable to take control of the game in the second half, and Arthur put it down to the team’s lack of energy.
“We just played with a lack of spirit,” Arthur said.
“At times we played with a little bit, and it got us back into the game.”
“Then something didn’t go our way, and if it would’ve we would’ve found some energy, but it didn’t and we dropped our heads.”
“We only completed at 47% in the second half, and 55% for the game. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing against, you can’t give them that much ball and expect to keep yourselves in the game.”
“We’re not about making excuses: what we dished up tonight wasn’t good enough, and we need to fix it straightaway.”
The Eels' next match is the Johnny Mannah Cup against the Cronulla Sharks on Monday, May 12, at home at Pirtek Stadium in Parramatta.
