The Dyldam Parramatta Eels will go head to head with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles this Friday night (August 5) at Pirtek Stadium for Round 22 of the NRL Telstra Premiership, and forward Kenny Edwards says the Blue and Gold remain up beat heading into the clash despite suffering a 23-8 defeat last week.
Previewing the clash, Edwards expects a big battle up front, pinpointing forwards Martin Taupau, Jake Trbojevic and former teammate Darcy Lussick as dangers in the opposition.
“They have a couple of big boppers up front, big Marty Taupau and big Darcy Lussick who was here last year, so they have a lot of big strike power up front,” Edwards said looking ahead to the clash.
“They have the Trbojevic brothers, so it will be a tough clash, but hopefully at home, we can get a good crowd and they can get around us and we can get a good win.”
“We just did our review and we are still upbeat about the weekend. We didn’t play nowhere near as to what we think we should of. Injuries aside, we had a lot of blokes out, but we think the team we sent out could of won and we just didn’t take the opportunities when they arose and that is definitely something we will be looking to do this week.” Edwards added.
With Finals contention out of the picture for the Blue and Gold, Edwards says the Eels will enter the remaining clashes this season with the mentality of ending the other team’s seasons.
“After the Titans game, we touched on our year not being able to make the Finals, but if we can’t, we will try and take other teams with us. It is a mentaility we have to go in with,” Edwards said.
“Manly are just outside the eight, playing some good footy, and we will be out to try and stop their run.”
With teammate Brad Takairangi set to make his 100th NRL game this Friday night, a surprised Edwards says the Blue and Gold will be doing whatever in their power to come away with the two points for the popular squad member.
“Takaz bringing up 100? No way, is he? How good is that,” Edwards said.
“I didn’t know that! He is a good bloke Takaz. I didn’t know he is close to 100 games actually. It is a massive achievement for him, he is one of my good mates, and to see him play 100 games and to be able to play alongside him will be massive.”
“He is a fan favourite at the club and all the boys love him so I am sure all the boys will put their best foots forward and try and get the win for him.” Edwards added.
The Eels kick off against the Sea Eagles this Friday night (August 5) at Pirtek Stadium for Round 22 of the NRL Telstra Premiership. Click here for the Round 22 Game Day Info.
