The Eels were ultra-impressive in their 40-4 demolition of the Raiders where the Eels played one of their best games of the season, bouncing back from last week's implosion against the Panthers.
But now, they face a daunting challenge.
Up in the sweaty tropics of Townsville against the high-flying Cowboys where they have only won once in 12 years, winning only 1 of the last 8.
We last won in Townsville against the Cowboys five years ago (2017).
Additionally, the Eels have never beaten the Cowboys in a finals' game (losing both games 2005, 2017).
Finally. After 13 long winters, we proceed past week 2 of the finals (first time since 2009). This is a golden opportunity for the team, the coaching team, and the club.
In last night's post-game pressor following the outstanding Raiders' win, Brad Arthur admitted he had learnt something following the heavy loss to the Panthers in week one.
“Maybe, we built the game up too much against Penrith and that comes back to me. So, I need to wear that but at the end of the day you know we've got an opportunity next week and we're going to go after it.”
“We just need to go after the game…that's our strength.”
The Eels were certainly impressive. They didn't just follow the grinding physical effort model that didn't work against the Panthers in week one. This time they attacked with more confidence, very directly, and with more second-phase creative ball movement from sideline to sideline. Without settlers, rigid, sluggish, predictable structures that sometimes stall their attack. The offloading was off the charts (19).
Arthur also addressed what he called the "rubbish" nepotism rumours circling the club.
“Well, there is some personal interest”.
But “If someone has got an agenda, … they’re not going to break us.”
Hopefully, the Eels play to their strengths this week as they did against the Raiders - remaining "unbroken" and united as One.
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