Dyldam Parramatta Eels forward Peni Terepo is looking forward to this weekend’s clash against the in form Sydney Roosters, a game which he believes suits his style.
Terepo made his early return from a pectoral injury suffered in Round 11 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in last week’s victory over the Panthers, and has been named to play again this week against the tricolours.
In his 32 minute return to the action, Terepo made 77m from his 9 runs and fourteen tackles.
“It is always good to face a tough team like the Roosters. They are one of my favourite teams to play against so I am really looking forward to a good hit out for Goisey’s 200th,” Terepo said.
“It is always tough the first game back after being out for a while but we are happy to get the win.”
“We will take that enthusiasm and move onto this week’s game.”
Terepo has spent the past 11 weeks on the sideline, itching to return to the action, however the forward knows the importance of spending the last few weeks travelling with his fellow Blue and Gold teammates to Townsville, Gold Coast and Darwin in three consecutive weeks.
“I think that is what we needed, to spend more time with each other. That brought us closer together in the game and it was good to spend time with the boys.” Terepo said.
“It was pretty important to get that win, because that will give us a boost with the enthusiasm. It is always tough trying to fight back from a loss so it was pretty good to get that win.”
Isaac De Gois previews his 200th NRL game
Assistant Coach Steve Murphy praised Terepo for his hardworking nature over the past few months in his desire to return to the action.
“Peni was outstanding. He came back from a pec injury a few weeks early and had worked really hard, his skinfolds are great and he has worked really hard to get back on the field,” Murphy said.
“That’s the sort of player we want at this club moving forward.”
“We are really happy for him, he is a real popular member of our football team so to get him on the park, he will be relishing the chance against a quality pack this week.”
Terepo is looking forward to the Round 23 clash to test himself against the in form Roosters pack.
“The Roosters are a tough squad and the type of footy they play is pretty straight forward and that’s the type of game I like,” Terepo said.
“They have a pretty big forward pack and it will be a tough challenge for us as a team.”
"Obviously they have a roll on with their last eight wins but we will just have to do our best.”
