Dyldam Parramatta Eels second-rower David Gower says the Blue and Gold are focussed on controlling what they can control, starting with how the squad works on the training field and how the side hits the field, starting this Friday night against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
After plenty of off-field media attention that has followed the Blue and Gold since the NRL issued the club with preliminary findings relating to alleged breaches of the salary cap, Gower says the side welcomed the 5-day break.
“It has been good, physically as well as mentally,” Gower said.
“It has been a big week off the field for the club, but for me personally, and all the boys, we have been pretty happy to get away and refresh the body for a big push towards hopefully September.”
And Gower had a straight-shooting approach to the past week.
“Of courses it is frustrating,” Gower said.
“We have worked hard in the early part of the season but what’s done is done, and it’s beyond our control.”
“All we can control is what we do every day on the training field and how we turn up Friday night and prepare for this game.”
“We are focusing on what we can control, and that’s training every day and trying to improve as players and as a team. We will be ripping in every game that we get,” Gower added.
Yet despite the extra off-field attention this week, Gower said the side still had all the belief in the world that they would be playing football at the end of the year.
“It is disappointing, but we kind of feel here, that the group we have together, that we are a top four side and that’s going to be the high 30 points anyway,” Gower said.
“We have all the belief in the world that we can still make a good run at it.”
The Eels kick off against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday, May 13, at Pirtek Stadium as part of the NRL's Indigenous Round. Click through to purchase your tickets.
