The Parramatta Eels kick off today against the Wests Tigers in Round 7 of the NRL Telstra Premiership, kicking off at ANZ Stadium from 4pm.
Previewing the game thanks to betting.club, Blue & Gold Assistant Coach Steve Murphy says the side must be prepared to put in a full 80 minute energetic performance.
“It is important for us, that we have been playing our football in patches and much has been said about it,” Murphy said.
“We are consistent for periods of time in the game and then we are inconsistent as well so it needs to be a full 80 minute performance from us. If we do that, we are capable against any opposition.”
The Wests Tigers are coming off a confident boosting victory over the North Queensland Cowboys last week, and Murphy says the Eels will need to be prepared to limit their go forward early and put in an energetic performance.
“I thought they played with great energy and enthusiasm and their last week’s performance was really earmarked by that. That got them the result, they kept turning up for each other and we will need to do a similar sort of performance this week,” Murphy said.
“Both teams are very exciting when they play their football, and hopefully you will see the best version of the Parramatta Eels this week.”
“Tedesco out the back is very hard to handle and Nofoaluma has had a real barnstorming start to the season, heaps of tackle breaks, line breaks and strong carries out of the back of the field.” He added.
“We will have to get into their early tackles and make sure we do a good job their defensively and that should limit their go forward hopefully.”
The Parramatta Eels have once again named the same backline that took the field last week, and Murphy is hoping to see an energetic performance from the spine.
“We want them [Takairangi and Norman] to play with plenty of energy and be on the ball. If we do that, we play some good football. Sometimes as a half, you can drift out of the game and we need to make sure we are in the game and heavily involved in each set.”
“Gutho is a very energetic player that lives on the footy. He has been one of our consistent performers all season so we are very happy with his progress at the moment,” he added.
With Frank Pritchard ruled out with injury, Nathan Brown has been called into the starting line up, and Murphy said his position in the starting side has been a reward to his strong form in the start of the year.
“Nathan Brown has arguably been our best for mine,” Murphy said.
“He is playing against his former club, so I am sure he will get plenty of attention, but he is very excited about the game, but as are the whole group, so hopefully, the Blue & Gold will get out there in force and we can put on a show.”
The Parramatta Eels kick off against the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on Monday 17 April, kick off at 4pm.
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