The Parramatta Eels take on the Canberra Raiders at ANZ Stadium this afternoon (Saturday 20 May) for Round 11 of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
Previewing the game thanks to betting.club, Blue & Gold Assistant Coach Steve Murphy says the side needs to put in a much-improved performance this week to tackle a dangerous opposition.
“We were disgraceful and there is no way to sugar coat it,” Murphy said of the Eels last week’s performance against the Roosters.
“We were well below what are our expectations and standards are and we need to be much better this week or we can expect the same result.”
“Their pride was certainly bruised, staff included, and we all know we need to be better this week and I am sure you will see a better performance from the Blue & Gold.”
Game Day Info: Eels v Raiders
Murphy says limiting the Raiders back five will negate a lot of their forward impact.
“Their back five really do a fantastic job and their forwards get off the back of that. We will have to do a strong job on their guys coming out of the back field.” Murphy said of the opposition.
“They allow guys like Junior Paulo and Shannon Boyd to get on the front foot, so we will need to be better right across the park but defensively there was no real energy and enthusiasm for our work so we will need to make sure we have that this week.”
“We got off to a poor start, playing catch up, then got into a winning position and fell away again.” Murphy reflected on the last time we met.
“It has been a bit like us throughout the year, we have played in spurts, and we will need a 80 minute performance this week to get the job done that’s for sure.”
The Eels will welcome back Bevan French who returns from injury forcing Clinton Gutherson into the halves, partnering new recruit Mitch Moses.
“We need to be patient with Mitch, he is learning a new system and new team mates. There is a lot of thing that are new for him so don’t expect brilliant things from him this week, but he is a very talented player and I am sure he will build himself into this team quite nicely.” Murphy said.
“He has hit the ground running at training this week and we are really excited to see him in Blue & Gold.”
“Great to have Bev back, he is an exciting talent too and full of confidence. He cant wait to get back out there and showcase his talents. We have a few special talents in the team and we just have to harness that and bring it out this weekend,” Murphy added.
“Gutherson’s versatility is really his strength. He is just a wonderful guy to have around the team, and to be in the team. He is a teammate that everyone wants to play with and we are excited his is part of our group.”
The Eels take on the Canberra Raiders at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 20 May for Round 11 of the NRL Telstra Premiership, kick off at 7:30pm. Click through to purchase tickets to the clash: http://eels.co/2oZJMdS
