Dyldam Parramatta Eels Co-Captain Jarryd Hayne has branded the Sea Eagles as the benchmark in the NRL ahead of the Eels’ Round 24 clash with Manly-Warringah this Friday.
The Blue and Gold fell short against the Bulldogs 18-16 in Round 23, and Hayne said his teammates had already identified areas to strengthen before the Friday night match up.
“We just did review then,” Hayne said on Monday.
“We had our opportunities and I guess their tries weren’t something we were proud of. Two or three front-rowers scored, it’s something that you don’t expect.”
“I think we were a bit soft in our D (defensive) line.”
And when it comes to testing their defensive muscle, the Eels will have no choice against a Sea Eagles side that is sitting in first place on the Premiership ladder.
“There’s no harder team to play at the moment [than Manly],” Hayne added.
“Their balance and their halves are obviously the best in the game. So we’re going to have our hands full but if we want to be there in September we need to front up with teams like this.”
The Dyldam Parramatta Eels kick off against the Sea Eagles at 7.45pm on Friday, August 22, in the Eels' final home game of the 2014 season. Click to buy your tickets and be there to cheer the Blue and Gold on our run to the finals!
