Parramatta coach Brad Arthur was ecstatic with his team’s 8-2 shutout of Canterbury in their NRL season-opener on Thursday night.
But he was far less enthused about their attack.
Considered premiership contenders in the pre-season, the Eels failed to make a line break and could only muster one try against a determined Bulldogs defence.
“I thought we’d be better with the ball,” Arthur said post-game.
“But I was really happy with the defence. We kept turning up. I was really happy with the attitude, I was really happy with their effort. It’s Round 1.
“So I thought we were a bit clunky and rusty in the trials with the ball as well.”
(AAP Image/Brendan Esposito)
The impressive defensive display was the second time in their past three NRL games that the Eels have held an opposition team try-less.
They held Brisbane to zero in last year’s elimination final, before being held scoreless themselves when they were knocked out of the finals the next week.
However, Arthur was pleased with how his side was able to put their frustrations in attack behind them and get the job done in the second half.
He pointed out how they lost a similar game against the same team last year.
“It’s something we need to get better at, but the pleasing thing is I’m sitting here and we managed to get better in the second half and it turn it around,” he said.
“Whereas last year, we didn’t. We couldn’t capitalise on any opportunities that we had at the back end of the game last year.
“I’d rather the game that we had to play tonight, than walking off the field and being in front by 20.”
New recruits Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Ryan Matterson enjoyed strong club debuts, with the latter making 39 tackles.
“They were solid. Reg’s intent is really good, we’ve just got to harness that to make sure he’s effective all the time,” Arthur said.
“The intent was good from both of them. I think that (Matterson) was a nice, calm, influencing figure in the second half.”
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
Possibly the comment should have been....."Well the Bulldogs were probably better that we expected them to be""......well their defence was probably a lot better that you expected it to be
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Moses was very average , early days though.
TIGER
Roar Rookie
Fair comment about Gutherson but he always gets involved and looks likely. I think he would benefit in a more structured team. Nothing in attack offered last night. Big wraps on Moses but he offered very little other than some poor kicking options. Can't recall a run or a pass of any note.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
"One try against the Bulldogs?..." ....and the try had a fair deal of luck to it as well Conan.
Conan of Cooma
Roar Rookie
I expected a lot more from Parra, and was looking forward to it. One try against the Bulldogs? If tipsters still have Parra in their top 8 for the finals maybe they should put the Doggies in there too?
Nat
Roar Guru
Everyone thought Parra would be better. I know it's rnd 1 but I'm still far from convinced they are up to the standard many are predicting.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
It will be interesting to see if the first impressions of the Eels are accurate or if they just need to shake of a bit of dried Algae. The Dogs defence was great but on the other hand the only Eel who threatened was possibly the crazy back rower. The spine apart from Gutherson was very timid but for all his great intent and energy Gutho showed again that he's not in the same league in attack as the top half dozen fullbacks. A huge factor last year was the form of their wingers , particularly Sivo and his tries. If Sivo doesn't get going they could be in a bit of strife.
Walter White
Guest
Well, a win is a win but minor premiers ? - that prediction is looking pretty silly right now.
Paul
Roar Guru
I knowit'sonly round 1 but the tag of a possible premiership contender sits pretty uneasily with Parra, IMO. They had everything in their favour and were flat out scoring a try.