Dyldam Parramatta Eels captain Tim Mannah says the Blue and Gold have reflected on last week’s performance against the Cowboys, and whilst it was an embarrassing performance the Eels will need tot ake the positives out of the game to put in a committed 80 minute performance against their Round 14 opponents, the Melbourne Storm on Monday night.
“It was obviously frustrating, and we have had a few frustrating games this season but none more than last weekend,” Mannah said.
“To be in that position and blow it is something we are definitely embarrassed about and not pleased about.”
“The positive was that the potential that is there, and our ability to score points is there. We just have to harness that and learn how to turn a 55 minute performance into an 80 minute one.”
The Eels forward says the side’s preparation to face the Storm began with a honest and brutal video session early in the week.
“We had a video session in our first session back and it was pretty honest and pretty ruthless to see it unfold the way it did but there are definitely lessons to be learnt there,” Mannah said.
“We want to make sure we are doing everything we can to avoid that happening again and to make the most of this week and get back on track.”
Regardless of the Storm missing four key personnel in Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Will Chambers and Cooper Cronk, the Eels will still have a tough contest.
“I don’t there ever is a good time to get Melbourne,” Mannah said.
“They have proved in the past they are a pretty solid unit and no matter who comes in, they do a pretty good job for them and I am sure it will be no different for them this week.”
“We have to be prepared to play our best footy no matter whether they have their best players or not.” Mannah added.
And Monday night’s game will be a special one for the Blue and Gold as it marks a milestone moment for Corey Norman, who plays his 100th NRL game, and Anthony Watmouhh, who plays his 300th.
“It is a huge week for us. It is also Corey Normans 100th game, he has been chanting that all week, and for Choc to play his 300th game is a huge achievement,” Mannah said.
“I got to play in Nathan Hindmarsh’s and it didn’t really register at the time how important that was so I am pretty happy to be able to play in Anthony’s."
“It is a big game and definitely an occasion that hopefully everyone lifts for.”
The Eels kick off against the Storm at 7pm on Monday, June 15, at AAMI Park.
