Call it cliché, but Dyldam Parramatta Eels hooker Isaac De Gois says the Blue and Gold will be taking it week to week in the final six weeks of the season, with their first assignment this Monday night when they take on the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium for their Round 21 clash.
With six weeks remaining in the season, De Gois says that finals footy has not been ruled out yet, but the Blue and Gold side is focused on the challenge in front of them each week.
“I wouldn’t say we can’t make the finals. Every game you go in to wanting to win, and that’s what we are going to do this week,” De Gois said.
“It will be a big challenge up on the Gold Coast, but I am looking forward to it.”
“It’s the old cliché, week by week, and that’s how we are taking it. The Gold Coast this week, then the Darwin trip with Penrith, but our first assignment is Monday night.” De Gois added.
The Eels will be looking for revenge this Monday night, after suffering a 38-16 defeat to the Titans in Round 6, 2015, and De Gois is hoping for a strong turn out from the Blue and Gold Army which lifted the side in last year’s trip to take on the Titans.
“I played last year up there, and there was a lot of Parramatta fans, so hopefully they get out there again this Monday night and help us through the game,” De Gois said.
“They certainly helped us through the game last year with their cheering and ranting.”
Along with seeking revenge on their opposition, De Gois says the Eels side is ready to bounce back after suffering losses to the Bulldogs and Cowboys over the past two weeks.
“They are a quality team. They have a good forward pack with a lot of speed out wide so just like any game, it is going to be tough but we are definitely up for the challenge.”
“After our last performance, we are looking forward to bouncing back on Monday.”
The Eels will be without a handful of players due to injury, including Corey Norman, Anthony Watmough and Danny Wicks, however De Gois said that the Blue and Gold will be working hard to ensure the players that step up into the team will make the most of their opportunity.
“Anyone that comes into the side, all the boys welcome them in with open arms,” De Gois said.
“They trained with us the whole off season, so it’s not like somebody we picked off the street, so we are training hard and everybody that gets an opportunity takes it.”
“Sef [Joseph Paulo] and Luke [Kelly] in the halves again who get another chance, who will be working hard, and we will continue to work hard to make their job as easy as possible.”
However despite the injury toll, De Gois said that the Eels know of the challenges ahead of them and are not letting the off field distractions affect their on field performances.
“Every club in the NRL has their ups and downs off the field and it is no different here. You just deal with it, play footy, win games and that’s what keeps everyone happy.”
“We have a few trips away but we knew that half a dozen weeks ago so we are prepared for it, and looking forward to a big performance on Monday.”
