Dyldam Parramatta Eels lock Beau Scott says the media scrutiny surrounding the Blue and Gold in 2016 can’t detract from the experience of playing alongside his teammates.
For Scott, who joined the Eels from Newcastle, turmoil is nothing new, but the veteran says the Blue and Gold haven't lost their appreciation for their opportunity to turn up to Parramatta every week and play rugby league.
“I think Micky Gordon’s in the same boat [as me],” Scott said.
“We’ve been at clubs that have been through a bit of turmoil, and you just get on with it, to tell the truth.”
“We get paid to turn up and play footy, and I think all the boys appreciate what we get to do for a living.”
“Brad [Arthur] does a great job at keeping us focussed on that: we come to training each week and that’s what we’re here for. We can control that 80 minutes at the end of the week.”
“He’s has a difficult year (Arthur). He’s dealt with a lot of things and he’s dealt with them in a great manner.”
“I definitely take a lot of respect out of the way he’s dealt with the club and what’s gone on here, and how he’s managed to keep the boys focussed on week to week football and still winning games.”
“That’s about all we can control at the moment as a playing group, and we’re enjoying it.”
The Blue and Gold’s on field captain says just as off-field attention hasn’t impinged on the side’s weekly preparations or Parramatta’s close team bonds, the question of finals football wouldn’t affect the Eels’ attitude when they take on the Titans.
“That’s been up in the air all year (the question of Premiership points and finals),” Scott said.
“But nothing’s changed for us on the field, or in the way we’ve been approaching the game. So we’ll keep doing it the way we’ve been doing it all year so far.”
The Eels kick off against the Gold Coast Titans at 5.30pm on Saturday, July 23, at Cbus Super Stadium.
