The Dyldam Parramatta Eels will take on the Melbourne Storm this weekend, and Eels forward Danny Wicks has labelled the Round 9 clash a ‘Do or Die’ encounter for the Blue and Gold as he spoke to Big Sports Breakfast this morning.
With the Eels disappointed with some of their performances this season, Wicks said they will need to improve this weekend, however they are confident they can turn things around with some improved efforts.
“We have had some shockers this year, but I think it’s down to a few efforts,” Wicks said.
“The best thing is that we have a lot of improvement left in us, and this week the boys have been training well and we are confident heading into Sundays clash,”
“Every day is a pleasure to get up and get amongst it but it’s all up to Sunday. It’s a do or die for us” Wicks added.
“The competition is so close. We are currently second last but three wins and you are up there in the Top 4 so this week is a do or die for us.”
Over the past few years, the Storm have been one of the competition’s most competitive sides and have set the benchmark in many areas and Wicks said that the Eels will need to be on their game and bring a full 80 minute performance to match it with the well drilled side.
“I think we do have that hard-nosed attitude that we need to overcome Melbourne,” Wicks said.
“I don’t think it’s been a massive thing; a few weeks ago against the Broncos it was just a couple of little things. With our completion, we only dropped one ball in the second half but those one or two little efforts in the second half lost us that game.”
“I suppose it does come down to attitude but we are ready to improve.”
Whilst the Storm have strike across the park and will be boosted by the return of Billy Slater, Wicks is looking forward to the challenge with the in-form Storm front-rower Jesse Bromwich, and pinpoints the battle up front as where the game will be won.
“Jesse Bromwich is playing really well, but I see that as a bit of a personal challenge,” Wicks said.
“If he is doing the best us boys will line up and try and pull him down a rung and contain him.”
“I think the game will be won or lost in the middle, so myself and the rest of the boys are ready so let’s get into it.”
Eels forward Anthony Watmough has had criticism from the media around his performances since joining the Blue and Gold, however Wicks commended the lock and noted it would only be a matter of time before he is back to his best.
“Anthony has come to a new team with a completely different structure but he is a workhorse, Wicks said of his teammate.
“If you look at his tackles, he has 40-50 a game and is just a born leader.”
“The boys loving playing with him and I love playing with him and it will be a matter of time when we all click, and I think it will be this Sunday.”
The Round 9 clash falls on Mother’s Day where families can access a general admission family ticket from only $20.
Thanks to our game day partners, Dyldam, we will be celebrating at our game on Mother's Day with a yellow rose giveaway for the first 400 mums in the Parramatta Motor Group TryLine City precinct. Head to our community tent to collect a rose for your mum on the day!
Parramatta Motor Group TryLine City will also host a pamper tent on Sunday, offering a choice of:
· 10 minute express manicures
· 10 minute hand massages
· 6-10 minute mini shoulder and back massages
