PLAYER'S COLUMN: LUKE BURT

[The Colonel]

PLAYER'S COLUMN: LUKE BURT
Losing two games in a row at home is something that is really not acceptable in the NRL, because wins on the road are just so hard to come by. Especially when you consider that we had won our past 10 or so at Parramatta Stadium before the Sharks game.

The game against the Cowboys was nothing short of ordinary – even in the second half when we staged that big comeback – there wasn’t the intensity and control in our play that we had prepared so well to deliver. The disappointment was etched on our faces after the match and has stayed with us all week.

Most people thing having the bye is the equivalent of school holidays – I can tell you it has been far from that this week. With two straight losses we have done plenty of work this week on getting things right – both mentally and physically.

There has certainly been no panic this week – the boys have been through enough highs and lows to know the best thing to do is to keep working hard and don’t give up.

No footy this week for our team, but I’ll certainly keep an eye on City – Country, with fingers crossed the Country boys can get over the line, and I’ll see you next week..

http://www.parraeels.com.au/membersonly/eelsnewsview.asp?id=829

 

[fish eel]

With two straight losses we have done plenty of work this week on getting things right

Didnt they get two days off?

wonder if luke has the same writer that Micky V has in the parra sun ;-)

 

[The Colonel]

Its good to see that at least someone in the club knows what we do....

The game against the Cowboys was nothing short of ordinary – even in the second half when we staged that big comeback – there wasn’t the intensity and control in our play that we had prepared so well to deliver.

;-)

 

[eloquentEEL]

I think the key words are "prepared so well". If the preparation is good, what's going on?

I think the Eels' main problem is motivation. I think Smith is great at almost everything else he does (except team selection), but motivation is definitely a sore point. Although, he does seem to consistently be able to put a rocket up them every half-time. So why can't they get that motivated before kick-off? Perhaps Parra should consider getting a professional motivator, even if it's just for the pre-match.

 

[fish eel]

Perhaps Parra should consider getting a professional motivator, even if it's just for the pre-match.

Let Parra Pete rip into them about how easy footy players have it these days :lol:

 

[Eelementary]

there wasn’t the intensity and control in our play that we had prepared so well to deliver.

Didn't Dean say after the match that they weren't properly prepared for the game?

 

[Eels Dude]

I remember after the Cronulla match one of the players said that they didn't have a great week at training and things would be better the following week, looks like that didn't eventuate.

 

[yy_cheng]

We weren't too prepared in the first half of some grand final not too long ago either.

That's why we need the big impact players out there like Fui Fui and Cannings and Tsoulous. They don't hide in their shell.

The game fui played, he smashed a player who had the ball when all our other players were like "Er, what's happenning?" and just stood around. Fui came out and smashed him.. (well I think it was Fui.....)

Unfortunately though, Fui and Cannings are injured.

 

[The Engineers Room]

Kafusi is playing pretty well. Not quite up to their standards but he could give that spark.

Eventually I'd Like to see this forard pack.

Foi Foi Moi Moi
Morris
Cannings
Stapleton
Cayless
Hindmarsh

Bench
Tsoulos
Hopkins / Armit
Peek / Vella

Now that would be some sight. Run Tsoulos and Foi Foi at alternate points.

 

[parra pete]

Perhaps Parra should consider getting a professional motivator, even if it's just for the pre-match.

Let Parra Pete rip into them about how easy footy players have it these days :lol:

In my day a swig of port before the game and at half time to put fire in the belly and give you courage you never knew you had. Ahh. those were the days......:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Eelectrica]

I don't know what goes on in training, but from reading that column, it sounds like they are putting all they've got into training and not having anything left come kick off?
It could explain the lackluster performances and possibly the injuries as well. People are more likely to be injured when fatigued.