Axe falls on Eels - again
June 1, 2004 - 10:05PM
Scapegoat one week, saviour the next.
That was the bizarre situation John Morris found himself in when he was among seven changes to the Eels' NRL round 13 side as Parramatta coach Brian Smith threw the dice one more time for a winning combination.
Morris and fellow playmaker Adam Dykes were high-profile Premier League additions last weekend as Smith looked to address an alarming Eels slump.
But after Parramatta dropped its fifth straight match - sparking another round of calls for Smith's head - the pair earned a reprieve in a new-look Eels outfit taking on the Knights at Newcastle on Saturday night.
Morris said the criticism had only made the Eels stronger.
"I suppose when people are having shots at us and the coach it does make you go out there and play better - it does make you stronger," he said.
"We've just got to go out there and prove ourselves not only Saturday night but over the next month or so.
"It's pretty tough. When it comes to our supporters, they certainly could be more positive and supportive.
"It's not down to a lack of effort, we've still got a lot of pride in the blue and gold jumper.
"If we stay and keep being positive hopefully we can get a better outcome."
Far from bitter over his recent demotion, Morris said he wanted to repay Smith's faith against his former side Newcastle.
"I wasn't too happy to run out there at 1pm on Sunday, it's something I am not used to - hopefully I won't be back there again," he said.
"Myself and Adam Dykes paid the price for the way the team was going, they had to make some changes ... he (Smith) said it wasn't personal, just to shake up the team.
"But I'm back this week ... and hopefully we get a win up there and build up our confidence."
Apart from Morris replacing James Webster at No.9, winger Brett Anderson was ditched for Ash Graham, centre Dean Widders was benched for Junior Langi and winger Matt Petersen returned from injury.
© 2004 AAP
