The Dyldam Parramatta Eels suffered a 4-17 defeat to the Brisbane Broncos to kick off their season, and Blue and Gold new recruit Michael Jennings knows the challenge does not get any easier this weekend when the Eels take on the Premiers, the North Queensland Cowboys (7:30pm, Saturday 12 March, Pirtek Stadium).
Jennings reflected on the Round One loss saying the Blue and Gold will be eager to get back into training, working on their connections and combinations.
“Not the result we wanted so we will come in today and have a look at what needs to be improved and get straight back into it,” Jennings told the media yesterday.
“It’s a good challenge for ourselves. Playing these two games nice and early will set the tone early in the year.”
“They are last year’s Grand Finalists so it will be challenging but what we really need to do is focus on what we can get right, like our connections and combinations.”
“I was a bit rusty there in Game One so there is a lot to improve on but it was just really good to get the hit out in the new colours which I was pretty excited about.” Jennings added.
And whilst the loss of Foran late and Norman during the game had an impact on the Blue and Gold, the Eels needed to work on their structures heading into Round Two.
“Defensively, if we stick to our structures and knock it out of our system in defence, that will take us a long way to winning,” Jennings said.
“It’s a massive loss. Foz is a great player. You lose that kind of direction and leadership so it is a big loss on the day but I think he will be back this week,” he added.
“You lose that direction and a lot from losing Foz and Corey because for the whole pre-season we have had training with that connection so it is a massive loss to lose both of them.”
The Eels take on the North Queensland Cowboys at Pirtek Stadium on Saturday 12 March. Kick off is at 7:30pm. Click here to purchase your tickets to the Round Two clash.
