Dyldam Parramatta Eels forward Kenny Edwards says that the Blue and Gold players will be out to finish their year with the same standards and intensity as the start of their 2016 campaign.
Preparing to take on the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium this Friday 12 August, Edwards says the Eels, under the guidance of Head Coach Brad Arthur, enter the clash with their own expectations and in a strong state of mind to put the off-field dramas from the year aside and focus on their football.
“There is no secret potion, Brad just keeps on being Brad. He has a high expectation of us but more than anything, we have a high expectation from ourselves that we can’t let down going into next year and into our preseason,” Edwards said.
“We pretty much have the same roster next year, so we are looking to build our combinations right throughout a massive pre-season.”
“This week we take it the same as we did Round 1 & 2. We can’t drop our standards because we can’t make the finals.” Edwards added.
The Eels were buoyed by the news of Brad Arthur’s re-signing ahead of their Round 22 clash against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, and Edwards said the news was ‘massive’ for the Blue and Gold.
‘The news of Brad resigning was massive,’ Edwards said.
‘When he told the boys, they all jumped up and started cheering. I was on the massage table so I didn’t hear what was going on but I heard a massive cheer from next door.’
‘He has been our rock through this year and to hear him say that, and for the club to get it done, it is awesome.’ Edwards added.
The Broncos enter their Round 23 clash with some inconsistent form, three wins from their last nine games, however a shocked Edwards said that despite their recent form and position on the ladder, expects a tough clash against a side looking to secure their position in the Top Eight.
“That’s surprising because I thought Brisbane were one of the top teams,” a shocked Edwards said in response to hearing the Broncos form.
“I haven’t seen too many of their games, but with their roster, you can never count them out.”
“If they haven’t done too well, I am sure they will want to hit back, especially being at home at Suncorp Stadium, they will get a big turn out a couple weeks to go before the Finals, and they will be wanting to put their best foot forward.”
And Edwards knows the Blue and Gold will enter the clash with confidence.
“We were confident going into the weekend. We worked hard during the week and we knew we could get them if we pressured their halves and that we might get a couple of results,” Edwards said.
“I think Manu, Tepai and myself did an alright job on heir halves and we were lucky to come away with the win.”
“We touched on it a couple of weeks ago that if we were going down, we are taking teams with us but we haven’t really spoken about that as a team. Our plan is to go out and do what we do and if we happen to take teams with us, so be it.” Edwards added.
The Eels kick off against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Friday 12 August, kick off at 7:50pm.
