Arthur: We're Ready For Tigers

http://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2015/04/05/arthur_we_re_ready_f.html

Dyldam Parramatta Eels Head Coach Brad Arthur says his side has benefited from a 10-day turnaround from their Round 4 win over the Rabbitohs, and is ready to take the field at ANZ Stadium for Round 5 against the Wests Tigers tomorrow.

“Today will be our fourth session, and it’s given their bodies a bit of time to freshen up, and also given time to get a lot of work into the boys this week,” Arthur said.

“So preparation should be at its peak, so now we just have to translate that onto the field.”

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Speaking about the Wests Tigers’ start to the season, including a one-point defeat to the Bulldogs last week, Arthur says they’ll be dangerous right across the park.

“I think they’ll be disappointed with their result [against the Bulldogs], but they’ve contested the premiers and the grand finalists two weeks running, so they’ve been playing some really good football and have a great combination with their spine, so we’ll have to look out for that,” he said.

Arthur has called for all the Blue and Gold Army to fill the crowd at ANZ Stadium, to try and eclipse last year’s season-record crowd of more than 50,000.

“It makes a massive difference to the energy, especially when our back is against the wall; our fans and supporters and the crowd really get behind the boys, so if we can beat the record for what it was last year, that’d be great.”

There’s been some good news at the Eels this weekend, with John Folau, Brad Takairangi and Bureta Faraimo extending their time at the club; and Richie Fa’aoso taking the field for the Wentworthville Magpies in NSW Cup after being approved to play by the NRL.

“It’s been a long road back for Ritchie; it’s pleasing that he got through the game and made a couple of runs and tackles, and I’m sure it won’t be too long before he’s putting his hand up for elevation in the NRL team,” Arthur said.

"Lincoln hasn't even played nsw cup yet and only played his first JF game this week. I believe he will play the full year in JF with maybe a game in cup here and there. I assume he will play nsw cup next year full time as the back up 7 to NRL. I…"

"Can Lincoln Fletcher play in top grade? Wouldn't mind seeing him get a run at number 6 also Lorenzo and Twidle need upgrading.. I see Ethan Sanders ( ex Parra) won the game for the Raiders "

Replies

Jose Martinez April 5, 2015 at 12:31pm

I reckon we will destroy them
- Dorki wizard > Jose Martinez April 5, 2015 at 12:40pm
  
  The Tigers play an expansive game and they attack both sides of the ruck which will be where our weakness's are...the Tigers will test Folau big time who has tendency of shooting out of the line, he will get exposed tomorrow
- Jose Martinez > Jose Martinez April 5, 2015 at 6:01pm
  
  Come on boys, have some faith! The tigers are nothing special
sixtiesboy April 5, 2015 at 1:17pm

They looked very, very upbeat at training. Their training in defence had Tigers names being called out as they worked on defensive structures. If sharpness and confidence counts for anything, they had it in spades on Friday.
- 2qioa2ycfdysv > sixtiesboy April 5, 2015 at 1:26pm
  
  we are weak behind the line with our rush up defence, if they decide to kick behind The fastest bloke out there is Reece.
  
  That means we are exposed to the short kick as Hoppa is a turtle and they will test us out early I suspect.
  
  Taylor will try a few things no doubt.
  
  We have the better pack so if we have control of the ruck and keep the footy in our hands we should win this as their edges are frail. Neither brooks or moses can tackle so if Manu Tepai folau run at these 2 micky mouse defenders we should be making breaks or the very least 2nd phase footy.
  
  I aIso believe both teams will score plenty so expext 50 points tomorrow, provided the sun shines
Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown April 5, 2015 at 1:54pm

No doubt the tigers will bomb the bibles out of Hoppa, going to be an interesting game, they have a team that will target our weaknesses down each side, we will have to play like last week to beat them.
Davo 'RIP feet for hands Toutai' April 5, 2015 at 2:13pm

Our forwards will destroy them up the middle. Play a fast tempo game we win.
Bernie Dowling April 5, 2015 at 2:15pm

Tim Mannah could have an influence with quick play the balls. If I was unkind, I would mention Timmy owes us one from the corresponding game last year. But I am not unkind so I won't mention it.
sixtiesboy April 5, 2015 at 2:30pm

I hate to harp on it but the referees interpretation of the ruck will be the key factor. The Tigers play a fast tempo game. Quick play the balls and shifts. If the referees do their usual "homework" they will be aware of this. Their "conclusion" from said "homework" will be that Parra will try to slow the play the ball. Penalty time!
Parra's greatest challenge will be if we are penalised around the ruck area or the Tigers are gifted quick play the balls.
Watch for what the whistle blowers do at the start of the game.
- mrt_spec > sixtiesboy April 6, 2015 at 10:24am
  
  +1 insightful