With the appointment of Brad Arthur it seems as though we are looking at returning a ruthless edge to Parramatta. The type of attitude that saw us dominate the 80's, 2001 and 2005 seasons. Where losing isn't accepted.
In recent years we have rolled over far too easily, given ground faster than the French in full retreat. I don't want to see that again at Parramatta. I want to see a forward pack champing at the bit to rip in. Trust me, we have the cattle to do it. Guys like Kelepi and Peni don't care about a player's reputation, if he's got the ball they hit him, when they have the ball they trample anything in their path.
Come the middle of next season I don't want to be saying "well at least the effort's there." Because that simply isn't good enough. For too long Parramatta supporters have accepted mediocrity, it is time we demanded ruthlessness from our team.
To never give in, never surrender. Whenever they have a team by the throat they must choke whatever life is left out of it. When they are under pressure they must show the steely resolve you see in teams like Manly and Melbourne.
In the words of Vince Lombardi "If you show me a good loser I'll show you a loser." Simply put, losing is losing. There is no sugar coating it, no wrapping it in cotton wool. At the end of the 80 minutes if you're on the wrong side of the scoreboard you don't get the 2 points.
Long have I pondered when the Eels will rise from the ashes and I believe that in the years to come we will be the phoenix of the NRL. But until we have harnessed the talent we have, until we have seasoned, battle hardened warriors to call on we need the will to win.
That is what must drive our coaching staff and that is what must drive our players. They must turn up to every match prepared to do whatever it takes to win. At the end of the day "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."
The NRL is full of talented superstars but just ask yourself who is really covered in glory at the end of the day? Why is Ray Price remembered? Simple, he never gave up. Why is Andrew Johns remembered? Well, when did you see him roll over and accept defeat?
The day we run out and completely believe in our ability is the day we return to the top of the NRL.
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