Dyldam Parramatta Eels Assistant Coach Pete Gentle says the Eels have prepared well this week and are ready for their clash with the NZ Warriors.
Playing at Mt Smart Stadium for the first Warriors home game of the season, Gentle has his side ready for the encounter.
“We had a good look at them (Shaun Johnson and Sam Tomkins) and the Warriors have changed their shape a little bit and Tomkins contributed fairly heavily to that last week,” Gentle said.
“We have done enough with our preparation to know what’s coming.”
The Warriors feature a strong forward pack, something the Eels are prepared to tackle head on.
“They have a very physical forward pack and we saw the different Sam Tomkin made in the spine after coming back last week so there spine is intact and they are a pretty decent team.”
“On their home ground at their first home game, we have no illusions it will be a tough afternoon but we are looking forward to it”
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The eight day turn around from the Round Two clash against the Bulldogs has the Eels faced with a tough and physical encounter and the Blue and Gold forward pack’s ability to compete is something Gentle has been impressed with.
“We competed very well against Manly, and even last week, through all the adversity and everything, we still competed very well against a much bigger Bulldogs pack,” Gentle said.
“They don’t hold any fears for us but we need to be on the job” Gentle said of the Warriors pack.
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With injuries affecting the Eels line-up, Gentle was quick to brush it aside and was confident in the Blue and Gold’s preparation heading into the clash.
“Injuries are part of the game. Everyone is feeling for the blokes that are injured, especially Beau Champion, but it’s part of the game.”
“You move on because we can’t sit there and feel sorry for ourselves” he added.
“The boys were sharp. Their preparation has been meticulous, every week we have been in right through the trials.”
“We are comfortable where we are and are looking forward to getting out there.”
