The Dyldam Parramatta Eels take on the Sydney Roosters tonight at Pirtek Stadium for Round 18 of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
Previewing the game thanks to betting.club, Blue and Gold Assistant Coach Steve Murhpy says the Eels will need to be prepared for a tough encounter against a dangerous opposition, despite their position (15th) on the ladder.
"We have prepared really well but you need to in this competition," Murphy said.
"We are playing a quality opposition again, the Roosters are playing a lot better than their position on the table dictates at the moment and they will be coming here ready to take us on."
"Mitchell Pearce was outstanding last week in a beaten team and their forwards are real dominant, run the ball hard and they are a very physical pack," Murphy added of their dangers.
"We will have to match that tonight if we are to give ourselves an opportunity."
With wet conditions looking to play a factor in tonight's game, Murphy opened up on the Blue and Gold game plan.
"It [wet weather] makes a difference on where you hand them the football. Field position becomes even more critical and we will have to control where we give them the ball and make sure they are bringing it off their line for most of the night," Murphy said.
"Whoever controls that field position should be able to dictate points."
"Our fluency in attack has probably been lacking due to the fact we haven't had a lot of consistency in the halves. We have another halves pairing again this week, so it is something we are aware of and we are working hard to fix up." Murphy added.
"We are not overly worried about our attack, we just have to make sure we are doing all the little things in the game. We have to make sure we control field position, our kicking game needs to be good and make sure we control where they recieve the football."
Head Coach Brad Arthur has welcomed back a few familiar faces to the Blue and Gold side this week, which Murphy said will be positive for the side.
"Robson brings a wealth of experience and is a real calm, composed figure which is something that can probably help Normy. He has had the burden of being our sole half and playmaker for the majority of our season so Robbo can come in and be that calm head and get us around the field a little bit easier," Murphy said.
"Timmy's presence just lifts the boys and he is a leader of the club and a leader of these young men. We are looking forward to him being on the field and having him out there."
And with Wicks playing his 100th NRL First Grade game tonight, Murphy said it was a great credit to the forward.
"Much has been said about Danny and his road to how he has got here. I am really pleased for him, he has worked so hard on his game, deserves every success and lets hope we can do him and his family proud tonight."
The Eels kick off against the Roosters tonight at Pirtek Stadium, kick off at 7:50pm. Click here for all the Round 18 Game Day Info.
