Dyldam Parramatta Eels forward Daniel Alvaro says the Blue and Gold mindset ahead of their Round 20 clash against the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday 23 July has not changed despite all the off-field distractions throughout the year.
After a disappointing 22-18 loss to the Panthers last week, Alvaro says the Eels have an opportunity to make up for that performance this weekend.
“We were really proud of the effort against the Panthers but we let ourselves down with that period just after half time,” Alvaro said.
“Execution and discipline really hurt us and it is something that we want to get past.”
Yet despite the loss in Round 19, Alvaro says the Blue and Gold remained focused on the final seven rounds of the regular NRL Telstra Premiership season.
“We haven’t given up on Finals at all, we still think we are a chance so we will keep on ripping in,” Alvaro said.
“We haven’t considered anything but thinking that [Finals contention]. We just want to play week to week, one game at a time and keep getting the wins.”
“Definitely Brad has said but the boys as well. We are all pushing that as well. We are still in it so that’s how we are going to approach it,” Alvaro added.
“Brad, all the boys, everyone off the field, we are just blocking it out and controlling what we can control because there’s no point worrying about all the other stuff.”
With plenty of off-field distractions during the year, Alvaro said it had not interrupted the Blue and Gold preparation.
“We don’t really pay too much attention to that sort of stuff so I don’t really know what you are talking about to be honest. We have just been focused what we can do out here and trying to build week to week,” Alvaro said.
“Nobody knows who I am so it’s good! I like being under the radar so it’s been fine for me and I just get to come into training every day”
“We have been blocking all the stuff out that we can’t really control so we don’t spend too much time on that. We focus on the footy stuff, and that’s playing week to week.” Alvaro added.
“We are a pretty tight group, this year we have gotten even tighter, which is probably the big thing to come out of it."
“We have got a lot out of this season but we are not done. We still have plenty we want to get out.”
The Eels take on the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday, July 23, at Cbus Super Stadium for Round 20 of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
