‘Up there with the best’: Eels focus on breaking Cowboys’ defence

Conditions in the Top End could suit the Cowboys, but the Eels are focusing on penetrating their defence and not on overcoming the humidity.

The Eels must find a way to break through the Cowboys' defence. Picture: Getty

The humid Darwin conditions could favour the Cowboys on Saturday, but it’s North Queensland’s defence that Eels coach Brad Arthur says will pose the greatest risk to his side’s strong record in the Top End.

The Eels have won six of the seven games they’ve taken to Darwin, but Cowboys coach Todd Payten believes his side could have a secret weapon at its disposal in the eighth.

“I’d rather play them in Darwin than down at Parramatta Stadium. The conditions are probably more suited to what we deal with consistently,” Payten said on Thursday.

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Arthur said he was worrying less about who could master the humidity and more about plotting the downfall of the steely North Queensland defence.

Only reigning premiers the Penrith Panthers, renowned for their defence, have conceded less points than the Cowboys through seven rounds.

“We actually don’t mind (the conditions) … We’ve got a good record here,” Arthur said.

“The team that we’re playing against is going very well at the moment. They’re up there with the best teams in the comp defensively.”

The Eels thrashed Newcastle on Sunday to return to the winner’s circle. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Arthur said the Cowboys would be keen to control the battle for possession.

“Statistically, they’re very high in terms of their completion rates,” Arthur said.

“I think all the simple parts of the game they’re focusing on getting right. They’re making every team work very hard throughout the game.

“It’ll be hot, it’ll be sweaty, the ball will be greasy. Both teams are going to need to try and control possession, but it might open up a bit because of the conditions.”

For a second consecutive week, Arthur’s son Jake will play five-eighth in place of Dylan Brown, who has shifted to the centres.

Arthur said the move was motivated by the Eels’ injury crisis, not nepotism.

“(Brown) has to play centre this week until we get some players back,” Arthur said.

“He’s just got to do what’s best for the team. I’ve said all the way through that Dylan’s best position is at six, but at the moment he understands that he’s just got to do his job. It’s what’s required.”

Dylan Brown scored a try playing at centre last week. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

The Eels will fly out of Darwin late at night on Saturday and turn their attention to next weekend’s grudge match against the Panthers.

Parramatta might not have another specialist outside back at its disposal for that game either.

Arthur previously indicated Sean Russell was likely to play a week of reserve grade before returning to the NRL, but he has not been named to face the Raiders in the NSW Cup this weekend.

Maika Sivo, Haze Dunster, Waqa Blake and Marata Niukore remain sidelined long term.

Originally published as ‘Up there with the best’: Eels focus on breaking Cowboys’ defence