Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has criticised his Eels aspect for ‘shooting ourselves in the foot’ with the ball and for making it ‘too easy’ for opponents to attain.
The Eels’ 34-30 loss on a scorching evening in Brookvale noticed the Eels’ defence crumble, leaving Arthur’s males 0-3 for the primary time in 5 years.
And with the Panthers and the Roosters to come back within the subsequent fortnight, they may simply be stranded on the backside of the ladder after 5 weeks.
Part of the issue is all the way down to scheduling – like Manly final evening, each the Panthers and Roosters will likely be coming off a bye.
Matty Johns mentioned on The Late Show with Matty Johns the schedule: “Is a complete oversight as far as the draw is concerned … That should not happen”.
There’s additionally been no scarcity of accidents already this marketing campaign. But these are mere excuses, and don’t distract from the Eels’ apparent issues.
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“We need more than fronting up with effort each week – we need to execute our plan,” Arthur mentioned.
“At different stages with individuals – there’s a lack of concentration or the simple fundamentals we’re getting wrong which is really hurting us.
“We had four sets down in good ball and I don’t think we got to the end of the set in any of those. We’re making it hard for ourselves by shooting ourselves in the foot.”
Arthur is correct to reward the hassle of his aspect. They scored twice in three minutes late within the first half, and scored three tries within the final seven minutes in a late comeback try.
But they’ve now conceded 80 factors in three video games at a charge of 26.66 per sport – the worst of any crew thus far. Last yr, their factors conceded per sport was the worst of any high eight crew, however this yr’s dire begin reveals that issues have solely slid backwards.
“It’s alright scoring 30 but we’re conceding six tries, five tries (against Cronulla), and two tries the week before (Melbourne),” Arthur mentioned.
“There are too many moments where their tries are too easy. I feel like we’ve scored some good footy tries over the past few weeks but the tries against us are just too easy.
“We’re coming with effort, and we’ve got plenty of fight and resolve and we’ve been there right at the death in all three games. But we need more than just fronting up with effort.”
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Matt Doorey copped a knee harm and Jack Murchie was concussed in Thursday evening’s defeat, two extra blows a again row that was weakened within the low season by the departures of Isaiah Papali’i (Wests Tigers) and Marata Niukore (Warriors). Prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard was additionally positioned on report for a shoulder cost on Josh Aloiai.
But there may be some good news for Arthur, with Ryan Matterson set to return for subsequent week’s Grand Final revenge mission.
28-year-old Matterson has been caught on the sidelines after infamously selecting to take a three-game ban slightly than a $4,000 tremendous for an incident in final yr’s decider in opposition to Penrith.
Having had restricted minutes in pre-season, Arthur might decide to convey him off the bench, however confirmed: “He’ll be in the 17 somewhere.”
After penning a recent contract extension this week that may see him stay within the sizzling seat till 2025, Arthur is now staring down the barrel of a five-loss begin to the season for the primary time for the reason that disastrous 2018 season.
And with Mitchell Moses’ contract extension nonetheless not sorted, the strain is nicely and really on Arthur to show issues round – and quick.
“The start is not ideal, but it’s a good test for us,” he mentioned.
“It’s a good test of our character that we’re sticking together, that we don’t start looking for anyone else to blame or listening to too much opinion.
“We know exactly what we need to do to get ourselves back on track. We just have to get out and do it.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
