Dyldam Parramatta Eels forward David Gower says the side is “champing at the bit” to get back out on the field, and show the side is made of sterner stuff than their last loss against the Cowboys.
On Monday night the Blue and Gold line up for the Johnny Mannah Cup against the Cronulla Sharks, and Gower says he's keen for a big performance.
“They’re a better side than what the table shows at the minute, so were turning up with the right attitude and the right mentality knowing they’re a quality side and desperate to win,” Gower said.
“The way we played against the Cowboys wasn’t the standard we set ourselves, and we’re pretty keen to right the wrongs we turned up with.”
Gower says the Rep Round break has meant the side has spent a solid fortnight making improvements to their attitude and defence, which they’re eager to put into practise.
“We try not to look too far ahead at where we’ll be on the table, we want to look week to week, and if we play the football that we’re capable of doing, we’re hoping to at least give us every opportunity to win games,” he said.
“And if we continue to win, we’re going to find ourselves in the eight.”
With the game marking the Eels’ return to Pirtek Stadium in Parramatta for the first time since Round 6, Gower is hopeful to see a loud and vocal home crowd.
“We want to make it sort of a fortress here, so if the Blue and Gold Army can come out here in numbers, it’s definitely going to help us, especially late in games, and to turn a bit of momentum,” he said.
The Sharks have made a few changes to their line-up, including the return of Luke Lewis into the halves.
“Luke Lewis is a great player, so obviously we’re going to have to be on the look-out for him and they’re a good side,” he said.
“They’ve got a great pack and great backs too and they’re a quality side, and they’ll be pretty desperate and pretty keen to play well and get their season back on track, and we’re pretty keen to do the same."
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