Parramatta Stadium has earned a reputation over the past two seasons as a place where teams come to collect two points.
But Eels coach Ricky Stuart is hellbent on changing that perception and turning Parramatta's homeground into a fortress.
''Ricky's big on that,'' halfback Chris Sandow said. ''We have to make it a fortress. This is our backyard and we want teams to be scared to come here and play us.''
The Eels have played two games at Parramatta Stadium under the former NSW coach for two wins this year.
Their other home game was played at ANZ Stadium against Canterbury, which was more of an advantage for the so-called ''away'' side on that night.
Considering the Eels have won just 14 of their past 56 games, their record at home hasn't been too bad. Ten of those 14 wins came at Parramatta Stadium.
''Sticky made a point of it in the pre-season,'' utility Ben Roberts said. ''He wanted us to have pride in our home ground and really make the most of the advantage.
''It's the place where you least want to disappoint your fans. We're doing a good job of that at the moment.
''We want to do our best to make sure teams don't like coming here. It's a place we don't want to disappoint. You feel the difference when you play at Parra. You hear everything because the fans are so passionate. I think that lifted us on the weekend, so hopefully we can keep that record at home.''
Six days after Sydney Roosters racked up a 50-0 victory against them, the Eels turned it around to produce a gritty win against the struggling Cronulla.
Even Sandow was surprised at how well his side performed.
''They are a top side, the Sharks,'' Sandow said.
''With the forwards they've got they should have touched us up. But at home, this is our backyard and that's what we thrive on.''
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Im glad it notes that ANZ is pretty much an advantage for the "away" team. we play the dogs their again later on which will be their home game and we have the Rabbitohs as our "Home" game there as well, its bullshit, why cant we play Titans, or Broncos there instead of a team that plays there more than us