Payten confirm availability of Eels’ Origin stars, reveals potential of Holmes switch…
The Eels had only 23 players of their top squad available coming into Round 19, and interim coach Trent Barrett conceded “we need some troops back” after their loss to the Titans.
Going down 24-16, the Parramatta outfit currently sit in 16th place on the NRL ladder and have lost their last five games, with their last win coming in Round 13.
The Eels needed to be handed special dispensation this week for debutant Lorenzo Mulitalo to take the field, while Barrett’s other winger, Jake Tago, was playing in his second NRL game.
Meanwhile, young guns Charlie Guymer, Blaize Talagi and Matt Arthur have all had their development fast tracked this season after a mountain of injuries.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Barrett explained his side’s loss could have been “ugly” if it wasn’t for their experienced heads standing up when needed.
“Probably just let them get away to too much of a start… they are a good side and we knew that and they put 66 on the Warriors a fortnight ago,” Barrett said.
“I’m more proud of the effort of our blokes. We’ve got a lot of young kids in there and blokes who haven’t played a lot of first grade.