Dyldam Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur has emphasized the importance of defence ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
After a disappointing loss to the Warriors last week the Eels will be back at Parramatta Stadium where they have had plenty of success this season.
“We trained really well on Tuesday and we’ve only had the one run so far,” Arthur said.
“It helps that we’re back at home but that’s not the fix of the problem, it’s about our attitude to our defence and enjoying being physical.”
With Parramatta sitting in 11th place with 20 points and the Rabbitohs in 4th on 22, the stakes couldn’t be higher for either club with ambitions of playing finals footy at the end of the season.
“We’ve got eight games and our destiny is in our own hands like 14 or 15 other clubs,” Brad said.
“So it’s really important that a win will be great this week but we be physical in our performance and get a bit of pride in our jersey.”
With the return of fullbacks Jarryd Hayne and Greg Inglis to their respective clubs, Arthur believes the battle will be won up front among the forward packs.
“They are a big side and we need to get our bodies in front and be very physical,” he said.
“It’s going to be the battle up front and whoever’s forwards can get on top then it will allow the fullbacks to come into their own.”
The Eels v Rabbitohs clash kicks off ay 7.40pm on Friday night, with $1 being donated to the #RiseforAlex Fund for every fan who attends an NRL match during Round 19. Click through to buy your tickets!
