http://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2015/04/20/in_the_sheds_danny_w.html
The Dyldam Parramatta Eels have posted a gusty 28-22 win over the Newcastle Knights in dramatic conditions in Captain Tim Mannah and halfback Chris Sandow’s 150th NRL games on Sunday afternoon.
Eels forward Wicks spoke after the game about the importance of coming away with the two points, after suffering defeats to the Tigers and Titans.
“We had to win didn’t we,” Wicks said of their Round Seven clash.
“It might not of been the prettiest game but the two points is what we will take.”
With Newcastle throwing up some gusty conditions, the Eels and Knights made the most of the challenging weather completing the game with a 78% and 72% completion rate respectively, however Wicks said it difficult out in the middle.
“It was a funny old game,” Wicks said.
“You would score a try and then you would be thinking to yourself ‘oh no, now it’s their ball on the return’, a bit like Super League” he joked.
“On the plus, there was only wind and there wasn’t much rain which we were expecting. I think at the end of the day, we showed the fans that we weren’t going to let them down.”
Wicks was called into the starting side replacing Darcy Lussick who was ruled out through injury and the forward had a standout performance, finishing with 118m from his 15 hit ups along with 29 tackles in his 53 minute stint on the field.
Wicks, who returned to Newcastle for the first time, said it was a strange feeling returning to take on his former side, however the forward was determined to come away with the two points.
“It was a bit of a strange feeling coming back here,” Wicks said of the occasion.
“There is a bit of tension, not ill thought or anything like that.”
“I was coming back to where I made my mistake but my focus was just on winning that game. We had to come down here and win and that’s what got me over the line.” Wicks added.
With Eels captain Tim Mannah and halfback Chris Sandow playing in their 150th NRL First Grade game, Wicks said that the milestone was a big motivating factor for the Blue and Gold, and the team were determined to provide the two with a victory in their milestone match.
“That was a big motivating thing for me,” Wicks said of playing in their teammate’s milestone match.
“To be a part of two special players and two special blokes, 150 games is a great milestone and I made a commitment to myself that I didn’t want to let them down and all the boys made the same sort of commitment.”
“We are playing for each other and it’s exciting. If you are fan, get on board because it’s going to be a good year.”
Replies
A gusty win? Ok, who farted?
Im on board...
I am a massive fan of Danny Wicks! When we signed him i was so happy. The fact he put that much work into getting fit to pottentially play NRL again is fantastic. You can tell how much he loves playing for Parra and he feels as though he owes Parra. He has mentioned that on numerous occaisions an in particular he wants to thank and play for BA for helping him get back to where he was and made him a better player (not in this inerview but others) I know he is not our youngest player but him and manu is exactly what parra is. HEART and BLOOD for the blue and gold jersey. Him and Junior Paulo are going to be a force after round 10 :-)
I think that final tackle of the game said everything about his attitude and how much he wanted to win.
Thinking of making a sign for the Broncos game:
"Come on Loz, Danny Wicks for origin!".
Danny has been an awesome pick up for us, one tough bugger.
Great tackle and effort to run down Fumbles Roberts.
I reckon Lussick would be scarey in origin, if he stayed on the field for any length of time.
Him and Wicks would be great to see.
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