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Brad Arthur launches staunch defence over call to rest stars

Alex ConradNCA NewsWire
Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has made sweeping changes to his side for the Eels’ round 25 game. NRL Imagery
Camera IconParramatta coach Brad Arthur has made sweeping changes to his side for the Eels’ round 25 game. NRL Imagery Credit: Supplied

There is still a chance the Parramatta Eels can sneak into the top four after the regular season is done and dusted, but for Eels coach Brad Arthur, it’s not a chance he’s willing to risk his best players for.

Arthur’s troops put a stop to Melbourne’s incredible 19-game win streak in round 24, but it also took quite a physical toll on the Eels in terms of injuries and suspensions.

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Despite being equal on competition points with the Sea Eagles, who occupy fourth spot on the ladder, Arthur took Clint Gutherson, Junior Paulo, Marata Niukore, Mitch Moses and Waqa Blake out of the starting line-up.

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It’s a serious case of the walking wounded for the Eels.

“We probably got six players this week that if we wanted to put our strongest team out, we wouldn’t have been able to,” Arthur said.

“Reg (Campbell-Gillard) is not right for another week, Junior’s suspended, Gutho wouldn’t have played.

“Waqa Blake strained his groin in the captain’s run last week and played for us. He hasn’t been able to train this week.

“Marata’s got a head knock, who’s been ruled out.

“So there’s six straight away.

“I’d rather put the health of our squad as the priority rather than the 10 per cent chance we make the top four.”

With the absence of multiple star players, it offers the chance for some fringe members of the Eels’ squad to get some needed game time heading into the finals.

Eight players made their way into the team for the Eels’ clash against the Penrith Panthers, and Arthur had a key message for the new-look team.

“The main thing I want from them is I want them to have fun,” Arthur said.

“I want them to enjoy the opportunity that they’re been given.

“A lot of people work hard for these opportunities, and not everyone gets them.

“They’ve been given a great opportunity to be proud of wearing a Parramatta jersey.

Eels Captain's Run Media
Camera IconEels coach Brad Arthur named a new-look Eels team for their match against the Panthers. Jonathan Ng Credit: News Corp Australia

“There’s people everywhere that would kill to wear a Parramatta jersey. These blokes have been given that opportunity.

“I want them to make sure they enjoy it, and at the end of the day, I don’t want them to have any regrets.”

The task for the refreshed Eels team doesn’t get any harder than a full-strength Penrith Panthers outfit.

The Panthers are still in with a shout of snatching the minor premiership from the clutches of the Storm, with the Victorians also resting a number of stars ahead of their clash against the Sharks.

Even with a weaker line-up than usual, Arthur was quick to point out his team wasn’t going to roll over for the Panthers.

“Anyone that wants to suggest that we’ve given up hope around a top four spot is way off the mark,” Arthur said.

“We’re not putting the slippers on, we’re going to this game and we see it as an opportunity for our players and our team to continue the style of footy that we’ve played over the last couple of weeks.”

Originally published as Brad Arthur launches staunch defence over call to rest stars

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