Eels’ effort better than at same point in 2022: Arthur

Scott Bailey | March 31, 2023

Brad Arthur claims Parramatta are a better effort-side than this time last year, despite the Eels slipping to their fourth loss in five games to start the NRL season.

The Eels’ 28-20 loss to Sydney Roosters on Thursday night left them rooted to the bottom quarter of the ladder, six months after reaching the grand final.

The loss marked the Eels’ biggest of season, after being beaten by four points by Melbourne, Manly and Cronulla to start the year before a golden-point win over Penrith.

Parramatta were still gutsy throughout, defending several sets on their own line and spending 20 minutes in the first half down to 12 men for two separate sin-bins.

The team’s slump in results comes after they won four of their first five games in 2022 – but in terms of effort, Arthur believes his team are better than when they were last March.

“We’ve played some pretty good teams,” coach Arthur said. 

“It felt like our effort and attitude for the first five rounds this year is better than what it was last year. 

“It’s how we finished the year last year with our effort and attitude, and that’s how we’ve picked up. 

“We’ve just got to get on top of some football things. As soon as do that, we’ll be right.”

Parramatta did have some good news to finish the night, with Mitch Moses believed to have only suffered a “burner” after staying down with shoulder pain late.

The club will also have a much-needed 11-day turnaround into the Easter Monday clash against Wests Tigers, with a run of games ahead against teams from outside last year’s top eight.

Parramatta have refused to use shorter turnaround times as an excuse, despite Thursday’s game being the third straight against a team coming off the luxury of a bye.

The Eels’ run of three straight matches against well-rested teams is the longest of any side in the NRL this year.

“It’s no excuse to why we don’t get the win,” captain Clint Gutherson said. 

“It’s obviously going to help the other team. I know I would like a week off now and feel good for the following week. 

“Everyone is going to go through that period, it’s just unlucky for us it was against three top-four teams.”