Parramatta coach Brad Arthur puts electric style back in Eels attack
Dean Ritchie
The Daily Telegraph
March 02, 2014 11:00PM
New coach Brad Arthur will dump the club’s conservative attacking approach and implement a new flamboyant playing style where players will be told to “back themselves.’’
“I don’t want them to be nervous or baulk,’’ Arthur said.
The exciting new approach comes on the back of damning statistics showing Parramatta has an abysmal tryscoring record over the past four years.
Parramatta crossed just 57 times in 24 matches last season - the lowest amount of any side in the NRL.
The previous year they finished second last in the NRL with just 73 tries. The Eels were equal last in 2011 and second last in 2010.
Arthur has told his players go “play some footy’’.
“We want high completions but we also want to be playing a bit of footy,’’ Arthur told The Daily Telegraph.
“We have been encouraging our forwards to pass and off-load. I want them to play what they see and hopefully that will create a few points.
“I want them to back themselves. That is how we have trained in the off-season.
“There is a fine line there and an error will bring consequences. That being having to defend a set.
“We need to complete our sets and build pressure but you don’t get many opportunities so, when you do, you have to take them.
“I don’t want them being nervous or baulk. If they execute well, there shouldn’t be a problem.’’
The recruitment of former NSW star Will Hopoate will certainly help Parramatta’s trycoring capabilities.
He will be named in the centres for next Sunday night’s match against New Zealand and finally offer some support for Jarryd Hayne.
“(But) for Will to finish off we have to create opportunities on the inside otherwise there won’t be any opportunities,’’ Arthur said.
Arthur is facing a monumental first-up challenge.
Check out these Fox Sports stats.
* The Eels have won just 11 games in the past two seasons for a winning percentage of only 22.9 per cent.
* Since the 2009 grand final, Parramatta has won just 27 of 96 games for a winning ratio of only 28.8 per cent.
* Parramatta has not won away from home since round 21, 2012. In that game, they beat Broncos at Suncorp Stadium (42-22).
* The Eels are currently on a 15 game losing streak away from home.
* Parramatta has run last in the past two years.
“We don’t want to be flicking balls out of their backsides but we have worked hard on our skills,’’ Arthur said.
Another team looking to exit the doldrums is Wests Tigers, who won just seven games last season.
Prop Keith Gollway though said his side won’t be playing under any pressure this season.
“I think it’s good that nobody really rates us this year,’’ said Galloway.
“I suppose now the media don’t really expect us to go well this year, so it’s actually a good thing for the club to use to use this year.
“A lot of guys here have some points to prove after last season.”
