Dyldam Parramatta Eels Joseph Paulo knows the Round 21 clash against the Gold Coast Titans is a must win for the Blue and Gold if they are to be in contention to make a run at the finals in 2015.
Paulo says the Eels are looking forward to the challenge when they head to the Gold Coast, wanting to rectify last week's performance.
"After last week's game in Townsville, it was a real tough one for us, for us to be in contention to even make a run at the finals we need to win this week," Paulo said.
"We have been working hard at training and we are looking forward to the challenge on Monday night."
With the Eels (who currently sit 13th on the ladder) playing against the 16th placed Titans, Paulo said that their position on the ladder has not affected their spirits, and he knows the remaining six weeks of the regular competition are crucial.
"There is still a long way to go. Six weeks is a long time, and there is still enough time for us to get some momentum this week and grow some confidence going into the rest of the weeks to play."
The Eels have faced a series of offfield distractions in 2015 along with a growing injury toll, however Paulo said that is out of their control, and as a playing group, they can only control their performances on the field.
"It is always hard to have that sort of stuff going on but that outside influence is not going to stop us as a group and as a team. We are trying to be strong and trying to grow in the next few weeks and try get a bit of confidence out of each other in the next two weeks."
With Corey Norman unavailable due to injury, Paulo will partner Luke Kelly in the halves for the second week in a row, and Paulo is looking for a much improved personal performance.
"I underestimated how how Normy works. Even though he loves to joke around, just how hard he works in leading us around."
"He has obviously given me some tips this week and hopefully I can play that support role to Kells because I felt that he really owned the half back position."
"I wasnt really supporting him, so this week, hopefully I can do a better job." Paulo added.
