Brad Fittler Sounds Alarm on Eels’ Struggles
Brad Fittler has voiced his concerns after Parramatta’s disappointing home defeat against the Gold Coast Titans, emphasizing that the team needs to address their issues quickly before facing the Bulldogs on Sunday. The Eels suffered a 52-10 loss, marking their worst performance of the season and leaving fans visibly upset. This result adds to an already challenging start for the team, with 226 points conceded across the first six rounds.
Speaking to Nine’s Today, Fittler highlighted the worrying defensive performances of the club. He expressed relief at not having to watch the game live, stating it sounded “awful.” According to Fittler, the Eels are averaging around 37 points against them every week, making it nearly impossible to win games.
Fittler acknowledged the impact of injuries on the team, with Sam Tuivaiti and Kelma Tuilagi joining the list of injured players ahead of the round seven clash against the Bulldogs. While he understands the challenges teams face with injuries, he stressed the importance of defending the line effectively. He also noted that the Bulldogs had a strong performance against Penrith, setting up for a highly anticipated match.
The victory for the Gold Coast was only the second time in their history they scored 50 points, showcasing significant improvement under coach Josh Hannay.
Coach Jason Ryles Expresses Disappointment
Parramatta head coach Jason Ryles appeared dejected after the match, admitting that fans were justified in their frustration. He acknowledged the 50-point deficit at home and emphasized the role of fans in the team’s success. Ryles described the performance as “disappointing” and admitted he did not see it coming.
He pointed out several negative signs during the game and highlighted the need for the team to address their lack of spirit. Ryles mentioned that the previous week’s game against the Tigers showed more fight, which was missing this time. He also criticized some individual decisions that could have been avoided.
Ryles emphasized the importance of players coming in for the injured ones understanding the demands of the NRL. He stated that if players are not ready from the start, similar results can occur. He also expressed concern over the team’s lack of desire, which he had not seen in the 18 months he has been with the club.
Mitch Moses Reflects on Team Performance
Skipper Mitch Moses was also puzzled by the team’s performance, admitting he didn’t have many answers. He mentioned that the team has struggled to start games this year, often finding themselves down by 18 or 20 points. This makes it difficult to catch up and maintain momentum.
Parramatta will host the Bulldogs at home on Sunday afternoon, with the hope of turning their season around. The team faces a crucial challenge in front of their fans, who are eager to see improvement and renewed determination from the Eels.
