Dyldam Parramatta Eels Brad Arthur was proud of his Blue and Gold side’s effort in their 17-13 golden point loss to the NZ Warriors last week, however the Head Coach has stressed that his side needs to come with the same effort this week against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
With the Eels coming into their Round 11 clash with a 3-7 record, Arthur says the Blue and Gold need to start getting wins, beginning with this Friday night.
“I think the way we have played the last couple of weeks, everyone has the GPS and all our measures are that we have put more effort into these last two games, than any other game this year,” Arthur said of his side.
“I thought our second half performance against the Warriors last week, we actually stuck to a plan for 80 minutes and it showed in the second half when we completed at 75% and equal share of the ball; We outscored them three tries to none”
However the Eels do come into this game with confidence after defeating their opponents 29-16 in Round 4, 2015.
“There is a bit of confidence there from the last time we played Souths but that was six games ago so its real important that we continue on from last weeks second half and we come with the same effort,” Arthur said.
“Anything less is not acceptable and we have to stop shooting ourselves in the foot and play a bit smarter and try give ourselves a chance by completing and having even amount of ball.”
Round 11 Team List
The Eels will not have their first bye until Round 15, something that will benefit the side says Arthur.
“It’s good for us. The last thing we need now is to not be playing any footy,” Arthur said.
“We need to try and be continuing on from the second half of last week and persist with our game plan, but we need to start getting some wins.”
“We need some wins now.”
“Whilst the results aren’t there, we know we are moving in the right direction. I know that’s a big statement but I am confident that we are going to pull through.” Arthur added.
Whilst the 2014 Premiers will be without Greg Inglis (Queensland Origin Duties) and Adam Reynolds (injury) Arthur said they will still be a tough opposition.
“I don’t know if there’s a good time to get any team really. They are coming off a loss and they won’t want to be backing up,” Arthur said.
“It’s about us, we have to make sure we get back into the winners circle.”
Captain's Run Gallery
The Eels will also be without centre Will Hopoate (NSW Origin Duties) who Arthur praised for his efforts over the past few weeks.
“Since we have moved Hopoate back to centre, it took him a few weeks to adjust, but his last two weeks has been very good and physically he is in a lot better place this year than he was last year,” Arthur said.
“The last two weeks he has been very strong for us, he had 39 touches for us, 19 runs for 190m and his numbers were good for us last week.”
And whilst Eels lock Anthony Watmough was not recalled to the NSW Origin squad, Arthur said Watmough has been focused on getting the Blue and Gold two points this week.
“The last two weeks have been Choc’s best two games for us and he wants to continue on from that form,” Arthur said.
“His priority is trying to help us get a win.”
“His hunger is coming from us losing, he wants to help the team win.”
