Eels Blogs

Parramatta's unsung hero from last year's grand final-qualifying campaign, Jeff Robson admits he'd rather be playing halfback but has accepted his new role at hooker for the NRL club.

Robson went under the radar for most of 2009, playing an important role in steering the Eels around the park at halfback.

But Parramatta's dismal start to this season forced a change and coach Daniel Anderson decided to promote Kris Keating to the halves and move Robson into the hooking position.

As a proud No.7, Robson is disappointed, but believes he can now give his side direction from dummy half instead.

"It's disappointing but if it's best for the team me playing hooker then so be it," Robson said.

"Kris (Keating) and Morts (Daniel Mortimer) played really good in the second half last week against Souths and showed what they can do and if it's best for the team then I'm all for it.

"I think we lacked a bit of direction and me being a halfback I can give us that playing at hooker.

"Matt Keating (former starting hooker), he's a really good hooker and him coming off the bench, he can add a bit of spark when he comes on.

"I'm enjoying it, it's a lot more work but I've played hooker before so it was no big change for me.

"I knew in the pre-season there could be a chance of me playing hooker coming off the bench or end up there at some point so it was no big surprise."

Another player hitting his straps is Timana Tahu, who was enormous for Parramatta against the Rabbitohs and this week will celebrate his 150th first grade game.

Plenty have been talking up rugby convert Lote Tuqiri for an Origin recall, but bringing Tahu back into the NSW fold could have similar benefits for the Blues.

With young backs Michael Jennings and Brett and Josh Morris looking to establish themselves in the NSW backline, Tahu could provide the experience to help them adjust.

However, the 11-time Origin representative said while he would relish the chance to work with young talent, his focus is on building his game at club level.

"For me it's just trying to play good football for my club and try and help the younger blokes here," Tahu said.

"Blokes like Michael Jennings and those sort of blokes they're great athletes, but for me, if I get into a rep football side it would be more of a bonus and it's something that's not really a goal for me yet."

Parramatta won in a landmark game for Nathan Hindmarsh last week as he became the most capped Eel ever, but Tahu doesn't want his milestone to be the focus as they head to Townsville to take on the wounded Cowboys.

"It's good to reach a milestone but I won't be celebrating until after the game," he said.