Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Pearson in doubt as Eels "get ready to rumble"
Brian Smith has admitted that Corey Pearson is in doubt, even though he has been named in the starting line-up for Saturday's game against the Bulldogs.
In an audio interview on the Official Parramatta web site, Smith said Pearson is "a bit doubtful" due to a back injury, however, he said the problem has "come good in the last couple of days" but would continue to be monitored in the lead-up to the game. Interchange prop Adam Peek has managed to overcome an ankle injury.
Smith said he had very deliberately named a contingent of "big, strong outside backs".
"We though Kativerata and Grothe have been in pretty good form in the pre-season, we've liked very much the way they've trained and they suit that theme we have of bigger, stronger players carrying the ball and a more aggressive defensive style as well."
While admitting the move to centre would be a "bit of change" for Matt Peterson, Smith said that the player known as "Sideshow" due to his wild locks deserved his chance.
"Matty has just been so enthusiastic and so aggressive in all that he has done for all, we thought that he deserved a shot". Smith said.
Wagon had also been chosen for his aggressiveness and tougness. "Wags will play the same no matter where he plays, he's strong and aggressive."
Smith said he thought he had the right mix of players for what was sure to be a very physical encounter. He also said Parramatta's pre-season training had been aimed at preparing the team for these type of tough match-ups.
He described some of the pre-season training work as "torrid".
"We've upped the ante, particularly the endurance aspect and the contact [work]," he said. "What they've been doing is belting each other and getting their bodies accustomed to that in bigger doses than they've done before."
"We feel like we're ready to rumble"
In an audio interview on the Official Parramatta web site, Smith said Pearson is "a bit doubtful" due to a back injury, however, he said the problem has "come good in the last couple of days" but would continue to be monitored in the lead-up to the game. Interchange prop Adam Peek has managed to overcome an ankle injury.
Smith said he had very deliberately named a contingent of "big, strong outside backs".
"We though Kativerata and Grothe have been in pretty good form in the pre-season, we've liked very much the way they've trained and they suit that theme we have of bigger, stronger players carrying the ball and a more aggressive defensive style as well."
While admitting the move to centre would be a "bit of change" for Matt Peterson, Smith said that the player known as "Sideshow" due to his wild locks deserved his chance.
"Matty has just been so enthusiastic and so aggressive in all that he has done for all, we thought that he deserved a shot". Smith said.
Wagon had also been chosen for his aggressiveness and tougness. "Wags will play the same no matter where he plays, he's strong and aggressive."
Smith said he thought he had the right mix of players for what was sure to be a very physical encounter. He also said Parramatta's pre-season training had been aimed at preparing the team for these type of tough match-ups.
He described some of the pre-season training work as "torrid".
"We've upped the ante, particularly the endurance aspect and the contact [work]," he said. "What they've been doing is belting each other and getting their bodies accustomed to that in bigger doses than they've done before."
"We feel like we're ready to rumble"
