The Dyldam Parramatta Eels take on the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval tonight for their Round Seven clash of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
Bringing you the Game Day Preview, thanks to betting.club, Blue and Gold Assistant Coach Pete Gentle says the Eels have their focus on doing their jobs tonight against old rivals, the Sea Eagles.
“It [the short turn around] hasn’t been a focus for us. Obviously the players have been looked after, but Manly are coming off a very similar preparation, with a flight back form New Zealand. It’s not a focus for us at all,” Gentle said of the short turn around between games.
“We have a job to do and we will be doing it tonight.”
Whilst Manly currently sit 10th on the NRL ladder, starting the season with three wins and three losses, Gentle knows the home side has begun to find some form over the last month and will be a dangerous opposition.
“Manly are still finding their feet, as we were. They are starting to click into gear, a new set of halves and quite a few new players there so they are very dangerous across the field.” Gentle said.
“Walker and Koroisau are both running halves more so than presenting shape. They tend to run off the back of a bit of shape and a lot of show and go’s for them,” Gentle added.
“Their outside backs have a pretty handy record there at Brookvale Oval, especially Brett Stewart.”
“We have done a lot of work on Manly this week, even though there is a short turn around, our preparation has been very similar to every game and we will be good to go.”
And with plenty of media hype around Foran and Guthersons return to Brookvale Oval, a big forward clash in the middle going head to head with former Eel Darcy Lussick and Michael Jennings milestone 200th NRL game, Gentle says there is a greater goal tonight, the two points.
“It is going to be a good battle. They have beefed up their pack this year, but we are a lot better than what we were and continue to improve so it will be a real good battle in the middle,” Gentle said.
“There has been quite a few players that have crossed over the last few years, from club to club, but at the end of the day, they are all mates and get along well but there will be no place for that tonight.”
“On top of the milestones [Jennings 200th NRL game and Foran & Gutherson returning to Brookvale Oval] there are the two points we are after. There is plenty to play for and we are really looking forward to it.”
Kick off against the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval tonight is 7.50pm.
