Hindmarsh and co. must lead against Manly
July 18th 2008 08:34
The Eels must turn it around against Manly
One reason or another, the Eels have lost focus.
Focus that steered them to the preliminary final last season. Focus which many believed would cause the Melbourne Storm a severe headache in claiming back to back titles.
Seven months later and we bear witness to a Parramatta side more drunk in form and attitude than a man full of Heineken beer.
But facts don't lie. This time last season Parra were third. They start tonight 10th and, if there's a bullet, it's pointed at them.
Among those responsible for the slide is Nathan Hindmarsh.
Its seems harsh, but the former NSW and Australian test mainstay has experienced a drama filled year this season.
Hindmash has prepared for games this year on the back of an injury or a personal issue. All the while working in tandem ,trying to control the inner monsters that derive from his fathers death.
Never one with time to waste on or off the field, Hindmarsh needs to vacate all of life's problems against Manly tonight and grind his side through to the most unlikely of victories.
Although you are bound to get effort from Hindmarsh, fate never seems to smile on those struggling for high performance.
An incredible player in his prime, Hindmarsh has reached a critical point in his career where he must settle down and think where the rest of his life will take him.
Made out of the strongest possible material, the Eels second rower approaches a critical challenge tonight in the form of a Sea Eagles side high on confidence and performance.
The whole of Brookvale will surround the Eels and Hindmarsh for that matter, eager to end any chance Parramatta have on making the finals.
The atmosphere at Brookie will be electric tonight and Hindmarsh is the key man responsible for an Eels win.
If there was ever a match to cure the disorder that is the Eels curse, this game is it.
Hindmarsh and co must investigate what season 2008 means to a side that really should be near the summit of the ladder.
A side containing flair with the likes of Krisnan Inu, Jarred Hayne, Brett Finch and muscle up-front with Nathan Cayless, Fui Fui MoiMoi and Hindmarsh should not be fighting for a place in the eight, moreover a place in the top four.
With the quality talent at their disposal, the Eels should be right against Manly.
Although the loss of Feleti Matei is costly to their chances, the Eels must rally here and now to have any chance of causing the stir they are rightfully capable of.
In terms of the roster, the talent and the skill, Parra have the power to upset the Sea Eagles and begin their ride up the ladder.
The individuals in the side are freakish in ability. But it is an ability that makes those with it go selfish.
As a team, the Sea Eagles are runaway leaders due to the fight that is installed in all seventeen of their players week in, week out.
The Eels must unify all their effort and skill as one whole unit if they are a chance tonight.
Whether there heads want to believe it remains to be seen.
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