Mitch Allgood returns to the Dyldam Parramatta Eels bench this week to face the Knights, and the Parramatta enforcer will be looking to lead by example with his aggressive defence as the Eels look to rebound from a big loss to Melbourne.
“I think we were just a bit sloppy through our defence," Allgood said.
"We’re going to pay a bit more attention to that today and hopefully have it right by Sunday."
After serving two weeks on the sideline following a dangerous throw, Allgood will bring energy to the Eels defensive line, and has acknowledged the danger of coming up against a struggling Newcastle side, who are still buzzing from their first win in around 2 months.
“They’re a quality team across the park and we’re going be preparing like that for the game on Sunday,” Allgood said.
The injury ward for Parramatta heading into Round 16 includes some huge names, among them Hopoate, Peats, Ma’u and Mossop, but Allgood says the last few weeks have showcased the great depth in the 2014 squad.
“I think that’s been one of our strengths this year, the depth we have in a lot of positions," Allgood said.
"One man goes down, and we’ve got someone who can step up and play that role.”
Halfback Chris Sandow landed himself in the sin bin with some comments to the referee in the Eels' last match, a 10 minute period which saw Melbourne score 3 tries and effectively put the match out of reach for Parramatta.
Asked if he would be telling his playmaker to keep quiet this week, Allgood said:
“I think everyone’s been telling him to keep his mouth shut all his life but he doesn’t listen, so hopefully he does this week!"
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