Parramatta lose it late in 17-10 defeat to North Queensland
A lack of composure in the final minutes cost Parramatta dearly with the Eels going down 17-10 to North Queensland in a physical battle in Townsville.
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Forget about your pay packets and just focus on playing consistent football.
This should be the message plastered on the walls at Parramatta headquarters after the Eels’ woeful road record continued with a courageous yet flawed 17-10 loss to the Cowboys in Townsville.
A week after coach Brad Arthur hailed his side “soft” following a 54-point smashing to Melbourne, Parramatta responded with an improved display.
The Eels led 10-6 midway through the second half before the Cowboys charged home to claim a hard-fought victory.
Parramatta haven’t won outside of Sydney this season while they’ve conceded a whopping 128 points in those four games on the road.
Of greater concern, the Eels’ inconsistency could cost them a finals berth.
Arthur’s men are brilliant at Bankwest Stadium but they struggle to produce their best away from home.
In fairness, the Eels had their chances to beat North Queensland but they lacked the fine polish in the latter stages of the contest.
Captain Clint Gutherson produced a solid performance only days after re-signing for a further three years but Parramatta need more from their big-dollar playmaker, especially in the clutch moments.
The same can be said for Mitch Moses, who needs to be more clinical when the opportunity arises.
Moses needs to produce more under pressure if he wants to be viewed as one of the NRL’s leading playmakers.
There is no questioning Parramatta possesses the cattle to compete against the best teams but it’s their consistency that is letting them down.
Newly re-signed coach Brad Arthur must find the winning formula every week before his side’s final hopes fade away.
Listen to Spud
Parramatta should train with Mark ‘Spud’ Carroll every week.
Only days after Carroll put the Eels’ forwards through their paces with a good old fashioned boxing session, the Blue and Golds discovered their inner mongrel.
Inspired by a teaspoon of cement from Spud - Parramatta produced their toughest effort of the season.
Okay, it wasn’t perfect but the desire and effort was there unlike last week’s woeful loss to Melbourne.
The Eels need the energy to marry up with repeat efforts to ensure sustained success.
Fergo for Origin
Blake Ferguson should receive an NSW Origin reprieve despite a few fumbles against North Queensland.
He put down a crucial ball late that led to the go-ahead Cowboys, albeit from a dodgy pass from Josh Hoffman.
Fergo is the big body the Blues need on the wing, especially with Manly star Tom Trbojevic sidelined with a hamstring injury.
The Great Scott
Matt Scott may be 33 but the big man has still got it.
Scott turned back the clock against Parramatta with a barnstorming display.
The veteran bookend will play a valuable role for Queensland in this year’s Origin series following the representative retirements of stars like Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater.
NORTH QUEENSLAND 17 (K Feldt T Opacic M Scott tries J Kahu 2 goals J Kahu field goal) bt PARRAMATTA 10 (J Hoffman B Takairangi tries M Moses goal) at 1300SMILES Stadium. Referee: Chris Sutton, Phil Henderson. Crowd: 12,493
Originally published as Parramatta lose it late in 17-10 defeat to North Queensland
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