Assistant Coach Pete Gentle is predicting a much improved performance and a higher completion rate from the Blue and Gold tonight when the Dyldam Parramatta Eels take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium.
The Eels completed at just 50% in the opening half of last week's clash against the Warriors, causing them to fall to a 0-12 deficit at half time, before a 75% completion and equal posession in the second half saw the Eels fight back to score three tries to none.
Gentle said the coaching staff will be looking for a continuation from the second half of last week.
"From our point of view, hopefully a higher completion rate. We keep hurting ourselves with our completions and a lobsided possession count each week, right from Round One" Gentle said.
"We have to rectify that this week against the Rabbitohs."
The Rabbitohs will be without Greg Inglis (Queensland Origin duties) and Adam Reynolds (injury), however Gentle said the 2014 Premiers will still be a tough opposition with plenty of strike across the park.
"They won't change a lot. Johnston has had a couple of games out there at the back and he is the fullback in waiting there so they don't lose a lot," Gentle said.
"Losing Greg Inglis who is playing State of Origin does help but we have lost Will Hopoate aswell, so that sort of balances out."
"Keary and Sutton played well last week, so it is their second week in that combination so they won't change alot of what they are doing."
Whilst the Eels came away 29-16 victors over the Rabbitohs in Round 4, 2015, Gentle said the side will need to be ready to compete again tonight to come away with the victory.
Unfortunately they have a very high completion rate, they don't give you alot, so we will have to work hard for it," Gentle said.
The Eels will be without centre Will Hopoate (NSW Origin duties), however Junior Paulo will make his return after being named on the bench after serving a 9 week suspension. Gentle welcomed back the front rower.
"It is good to have Junior back in the side. He has worked his backside off for 9-10 weeks and he deserves his opportunity again," Gentle said.
Gates at ANZ Stadium open at 5:10pm with NYC kick off scheduled for 5:15pm.
NRL kick-off is at 7:45pm.
