Parra halves told to go on attack

BEN Roberts and Chris Sandow have been given a licence to thrill with Parramatta coach Stephen Kearney dropping his strict structure.

Ben Roberts

BEN Roberts and Chris Sandow have been given a licence to thrill with Parramatta coach Stephen Kearney dropping his strict structure in a bid to ignite the out-of-form playmakers.

Amid revelations the embattled coach is fighting to save his career, resurrected Eels No. 6 Roberts revealed he and the out-of-form Sandow had been given the green light to "play some football" with the team looking for a shock win over the Sharks at Parramatta Stadium tomorrow night.

In his first interview since being dumped from first grade following his "shocker" against the Bulldogs, Roberts said he was 100 per cent committed to re-finding his form and seeing out the final 18 months of his two year deal.

And he is ready to spark the Eels, returning to Sandow's side after a NSW Cup stint.

"Stephen has told us that he wants us to play what is in front of us," Roberts said.

"He has told us to play some football. At the same time we have a guideline structure to go back to when things aren't going well but we have the freedom to open up.

"Mooksy has given me plenty of encouragement and I am really hoping to add some spark to the side."

Sandow and Roberts have been playing under strict guidelines this year and the instruction to "play some football" could bring the best out in the enigmatic pair.

"Chris and I have taken a lot from the stints we have had in reserve grade," Roberts said. "I think that we have learned our lessons and hopefully we can come back better players."

Roberts said he was committed to the club and happy with Kearney and his direction."I think the boys were pretty unlucky against the Dragons and there were some really promising signs against Canberra," he said. "I think we can turn it around and hopefully against the Sharks."

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