Dyldam Parramatta Eels halfback Chris Sandow says the Blue and Gold have reflected on their Round 12, 36-30 defeat to the North Queensland Cowboys and despite blowing the Cowboys off the park in the first half, the Eels are disappointed with their efforts on the field.
“It was a disappointing loss,” Sandow said.
“We have trained really well for the last few weeks and the Cowboys are the number one side in the comp, and for us to come and blow them off the park in the first half was really good but it’s an 80 minute game and we only played 60.”
“It was disappointing after the game, all the boys had their heads down but that’s footy.” Sandow added.
The Eels have returned to the training paddock this week, and after a lengthy video review session with Head Coach Brad Arthur, Sandow said the Eels defence was just not up to standards.
“We had a long video session today, Brad loves his video sessions.” Sandow said.
“We looked at the missed opportunities, our D up the middle and all over the park wasn’t up to NRL standards.”
“I think we just have to talk more behind the line. It is a confidence thing.”
The Eels will take on the Melbourne Storm this Monday night at AAMI Park, and Sandow said the side will need to be on their game to come away with the two points.
“The Storm clash is a good opportunity for us to go down there and get the two points,” Sandow said.
“But even without some of their Origin players, they are still a good side so hopefully we can go down there and do the job.”
Sandow has had a turbulent season off the field, and whilst his last few weeks have seen the halfback relegated to play for Wentworthville Magpies in NSW Cup, Sandow said his confidence is still high.
“My confidence is always there,” Sandow said.
“Brad dropped me back to Wenty for a reason but I worked on that and got myself back to first grade.”
And with media speculation on the halfback’s future at the Eels beyond the season, Sandow is purely focused on his form on the field, leaving the contract negotiations up to his manager.
“It’s not in the back of my mind [contract negotiations]. I have to go out each week with my teammates and perform,” Sandow said.
“Contracts will be second to after what I have to do. I am not worried about that, I just have to perform on the field.”
“I just have to train really hard during the week and that will show on the field.”
“We just have to come and do the right thing. We have all been training really well the last few weeks but we have been just been losing games and nobody likes to lose games, but the boys are trying really hard,” Sandow added.
