Dyldam Parramatta Eels Head Coach Brad Arthur has pointed to the Eels’ Easter Monday clash as the key test of whether Friday night’s 29-16 win over the Rabbitohs marks a change in fortunes for his side.
The Blue and Gold ran in a thrilling victory in front of their home crowd, and while Arthur praised their intensity, he saw plenty of room for improvement in execution.
“I’m proud of the boys,” Arthur said.
“I thought physically we aimed up: on our tryline with 6 minutes to go I think we had to defend 3 or 4 sets, and souths are pretty good at turning possession and repeated sets into points.”
“It’s a very good win - maybe not in execution - but in terms of being prepared to put our bodies on the line and keep fronting up.”
“We’ve shown that if we complete our sets, make our tackles, we can mix it with any team in the competition, but it’s an attitude thing.”
“I’m hoping that’s going to be a turning point for us moving forward but we’ve already spoken about how we need to find that same attitude and that same attitude away from Parramatta Stadium.”
“Tonight’s effort will be lost unless we put in the same effort next Monday.”