Dyldam Parramatta Eels forward Tepai Moeroa says the side has been working to lift its attacking prowess heading into Sunday’s Round 5 game against the Penrith Panthers.
With the Blue and Gold returning to Pirtek Stadium, Moeroa says after a few games with a focus on defending, they’re ready to score some points.
“The boys are turning up for each other but it’s definitely starting to take its toll; the boys are too tired to attack and we saw a bit of that in our attack [last week],” Moeroa said.
“Getting repeat sets, dropping the ball, making mistakes, having back to back sets, it takes its toll on us and by the time we get the ball the boys are too tired to get shape and do anything with it.”
Moeroa said the forward pack will still bring plenty of muscle against Penrith, even with club captain Tim Mannah sidelined due to injury.
“Tim is out for the week but we’ve got Peni [Terepo] coming back in, so hopefully he can come back and make an impact,” he said.
Tepai admits stepping into the lock position with Anthony Watmough injured has been a learning curve but he’s enjoyed getting the opportunity to prove himself.
“It’s been good so far, I’m still learning the trade but getting a few pointers off the boys and they’re helping out,” he said.
“Beau [Scott] tells [me] positional plays and where to be and how to defend, and he’s been very instrumental to my role.”
The Eels kick off against the Panthers in the final Battle of the West before the redevelopment of Pirtek Stadium at 4pm on Sunday, April 3. Family General Admission tickets are just $40*,click through to secure your seats!
