The Dyldam Parramatta Eels touched down in Darwin on Tuesday, and captain Tim Mannah says Eels Territory may be the perfect place for the Blue and Gold to regain focus and prepare to take on the Penrith Panthers.
Mannah said while his teammates were still smarting from a 24-14 loss to the Gold Coast Titans on monday night, the sides home-away-from-home in the Territory is an opportunity for the team to narrow their focus ahead of the Round 22 game.
“For us it’s good to get away from the noise of Sydney and really bunker down with the team,” Mannah said.
“They’ve (the NT supporters) really embraced us and they’ve made the trip really good for us.”
“There are a few boys that are struggling a bit to try and deal with the loss, but we’ve got to move on pretty quickly. We’re all NRL players, we get paid to do what we do for a living, and every time we put on a jersey there’s a lot of responsibility that goes along with that.”
“I know personally there’s still plenty to play for and I’m sure everyone else in the team feels the same way.”
The Blue and Gold’s Head Coach, Brad Arthur, named his side on Tuesday, with five-eighth Corey Norman, and centres Will Hopoate and Brad Takairangi all set to make their return from injury.
“A lot of the young guys [in the team] are going to be a lot better for the experience that they’re getting this year, but it would be really hand y to have a few guys come back,” Mannah said.
“We just got reminded that we’re undefeated here so far so hopefully we’ll keep that record in tact on Saturday night.”
The Dyldam Parramatta Eels kick off against the Penrith Panthers at Darwin’s TIO Stadium at 7pm local time on Saturday, August 8 (7.30pm AEST). Click through to buy your tickets!
