Phil Gould questions Brad Arthur’s preparation ahead of Parramatta-Brisbane elimination final
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“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.
Replies
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.
Get off the drugs bro.
Uncanny, exactly what I was thinking.
Put the crack pipe DOWN, Col.
Mate, don’t you value mistake free football coming out of defence? I’d prefer it if ‘ole rocks n diamonds’ Ferguson holds onto the ball when he hits it up from a kick return. In fact, when coming out of defence I would only give him a license to throw a dummy, side-step or swerve.
With regards to a game plan, agree, I’d love to see them implement a few new strategies that the other teams haven’t seen and therefore haven’t prepared for - a good time to unleash our full attacking and defending capabilities - Eels 2019 v2.0! Maybe a fools hope, but I’m still hopeful of the team we love lifting the trophy on grand final day.
I agree with you, the donkeys could easily roll through our middle and score points on the back of good field position. I’m concerned about our ability to slow their momentum and the refs being our usual impediment.
Cirrhosis get off it mate
Too late to stop. Damage done
We got blown away by the big cowboys pack 2 years ago
after pushing a big storm pack the week before?
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.
Two bob each way for Gus.
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