Parramatta Eels co-captain and forward Tim Mannah says that despite the Eels starting the season with two wins on the trot, the Blue & Gold have not been pleased with their performances on the field, warning that there is plenty of improvement still to come.
Whilst pleasing to come away with four points from the opening two rounds, Mannah says the side is focused on continuing to improve.
“I like the look of the ladder but it’s also Round Two and I am aware of that as well. It is a good start to the year, but the reality is that it’s round two,” Mannah said.
“I am glad the fans are excited because they have been very patient over a long period of time. As players, we are keeping a lid on it because we know we can be a lot better and we know a lot we need to improve on.”
“Brad and his coaching staff are doing a really good job in making sure we are working on what we can improve and becoming better because we have to be better.” Mannah added.
The challenge this week comes in the form of the Gold Coast Titans, and Mannah says that the side will need to turn up with the correct attitude.
The side suffered a defeat on their last visit to Cbus Super Stadium, and Mannah is hoping the side comes prepared.
“The pleasing thing is that we are 2-0, but we had video and saw a lot of parts of our game from our standards that we weren’t really happy with so there are definitely things we can improve on,” Mannah said.
“The exciting thing is there is improvement in us and that’s a real driving force, and regardless of results, we want to make sure we are improving every week.”
“We have a big job ahead of us on Friday night and it’s important we don’t take the foot off the accelerator and we turn up at the Gold Coast with the right attitude and the right attitude to win.”
The side will be without half Corey Norman, who was ruled out on Tuesday with a hamstring injury, but Mannah is confident the experienced Jeff Robson and Clint Gutherson will be ready to rise to the challenge.
“I am excited about the challenge without Corey. Everyone knows how good Corey is and how important he is to our team, but it’s a great challenge for the rest of the playing group to step up,” Mannah said.
“Its good to see how Clint handles this with a bit more responsibility.”
“The best part is, we are bringing in Jeff Robson who has over 100 first grade games under his belt and I have no doubt he will do a great job for us.” Mannah added.
The Titans will be without fullback and former Eel Jarryd Hayne, and Mannah says he is a little bit shattered in not being able to play against his friend and former teammate.
“I was a little bit shattered. There has been a lot of chat over the last few weeks, months actually, between a few of our boys and Jarryd and it would have been good to play him,” Mannah said.
“I am actually feeling for him a little bit at the moment, the timing of the injury wasn’t the best for him and we are hoping he has a speedy recovery.”
“You don’t like to see anyone getting injured. It’s probably a good thing for us to play them without Jarryd but as a friend and as a mate, it’s hard to see someone go through an injury.”
The Eels kick off against the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Friday 17 March. Kick off at 7:05pm local time (8:05pm AEDT).
