Phil Gould questions Brad Arthur’s preparation ahead of Parramatta-Brisbane elimination final

He thinks Parramatta will still beat Brisbane and advance to Week 2 of the NRL finals series – but Phil ‘Gus’ Gould has questioned Brad Arthur’s decision to drastically alter the Eels’ routine ahead of the high-stakes clash.

Last year’s wooden-spooners went into camp on the central coast for two days following Friday’s 32-16 victory over Manly, which secured fifth spot on the NRL ladder, Arthur then gave his men Tuesday and Wednesday off before resuming preparations for Sunday’s must-win clash against Anthony Seibold’s Broncos on Thursday.

“Well, we’ll know Monday morning whether it’s a good tactic,” Gould said on Channel Nine’s Six Tackles With Gus podcast.

MORE: Players’ Champion nominations for 2019 NRL season revealed by RLPA

“Things like that, I would tend to do earlier in the year … probably mid-season or six weeks out from the semis as you start to get ready for September.

“Whether or not it’s exactly what they need right now (remains to be seen) leading into this game, but it’s a big game for Parramatta.

“Wooden-spooners last year, now they find themselves in a new stadium – Bankwest Stadium – they’re in good form and they’re playing at home and they’re playing the Broncos.

“And it shouldn’t matter too much what you did this week, you couldn’t get them more motivated than what they should be coming into the contest.”

While Gould, a two-time premiership-winning coach, questioned Arthur’s timing he commended the Eels boss for following his instincts and backed the Eels to see off the Broncos and extend their season on Sunday afternoon.

“It’s good that he’s trying something different, I like people that back themselves and back their own judgement and as a coach if he thinks they need some time off … that’s what he’s given them,” he said.

“But we’ll know Monday morning whether that’s had a positive or negative effect.

“I don’t see them losing this game, I think they’re too high energy for the Broncos, I think they’ve got too many points in them for the Broncos.

“The Broncos’ attacking mentality just isn’t what it needs to be.

LOL - with our usual lack of game plan and creeativity it doesn't matter if he gave the team a fully paid up three day membership to the Golden Apple or Ken's of Kensington.

Fergo takes first or second hit up on kick return - does not pass, does ot look for an offload and does not have support runners.

Every freeking team in the comp knows to line up on Fergo and stop our go forward.

Halves very rarely kick early when under pressure - same ole five into the defence, kick and hope - or a very slow pass to kicker and watch him get monstered.

Having said that the Bronx could do anything including not turn up for the game - or beat the absolute crap out of us.

We will now see if my suggestion several weeks ago about the Eels bveing Chokers is correct.

Wonder what the fan base looks like - Ie how many Bronx fans against how many Eels fans.

Bronx fans are maniacs who will spend heaps travelling to this game and just might outnumber Eels fans - that would be interesting.

"Why can't he start ? definitely others that can come off the bench, maybe Paulo ... if we want to keep him we have to play him, I think JDB will be playing off the bench "

"I've heard that Paulo will be coming off the bench to prolong his career. The 1st 20 mins takes a lot out of him with bigger collisions. Apparently he will get an extension soon. He is seen as an important role model and keeping him at the club…"

Replies

Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" September 13, 2019 at 4:57pm

LOL - with our usual lack of game plan and creeativity it doesn't matter if he gave the team a fully paid up three day membership to the Golden Apple or Ken's of Kensington.

Fergo takes first or second hit up on kick return - does not pass, does ot look for an offload and does not have support runners.

Every freeking team in the comp knows to line up on Fergo and stop our go forward.

Halves very rarely kick early when under pressure - same ole five into the defence, kick and hope - or a very slow pass to kicker and watch him get monstered.

Having said that the Bronx could do anything including not turn up for the game - or beat the absolute crap out of us.

We will now see if my suggestion several weeks ago about the Eels bveing Chokers is correct.

Wonder what the fan base looks like - Ie how many Bronx fans against how many Eels fans.

Bronx fans are maniacs who will spend heaps travelling to this game and just might outnumber Eels fans - that would be interesting.
- xxRustyxx_69 > Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" September 13, 2019 at 5:07pm
  
  Get off the drugs bro.
- Sam > Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" September 13, 2019 at 7:22pm
  
  Cirrhosis get off it mate
- Randy Handlinger > Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" September 13, 2019 at 7:37pm
  
  Too late to stop. Damage done
Wile E. Coyote September 13, 2019 at 4:57pm

We got blown away by the big cowboys pack 2 years ago
- Hugh > Wile E. Coyote September 13, 2019 at 4:59pm
  
  after pushing a big storm pack the week before?
Jacob Garnham September 13, 2019 at 5:17pm

After 25 rounds we probably need to look at the mental side of the game more than the physical. 2 days to clear heads and self focus could quite possibly be exactly what they BOYS need ahead of a finals series that most of them will be strangers to.
JEELman September 13, 2019 at 7:14pm

Two bob each way for Gus.
- fishbulb > JEELman September 13, 2019 at 10:42pm
  
  As always. One way to ensure you're never wrong.
- Wizardssleeves official receipts > JEELman September 14, 2019 at 12:31am
  
  Yep , always speaks and then covers himself for the opposite result .
  
  “ as I said the other day , I did say A but A was depending on if C,D and E happened , and as C,D and E didn’t happen , well it was quite obvious to me the result would be B “
  
  Every single person involved with commentating on rugby league - “ good old Gus was 100% on the money again “