They’re sitting last on the NRL ladder but captain Nathan Hindmarsh is confident Parramatta can be the team rival clubs will hate to play in the lead-up to the finals.
The Eels have lost 11 of 13 games in a dismal season, conceding more points (368) than any other team in the process.
But Hindmarsh insists the Eels are not deserving of the wooden spoon and hopes to turn the tide in Saturday’s western Sydney derby against a similarly lacklustre Penrith at Centrebet Stadium.
“It’s been a very disappointing season from everyone, I don’t think anyone’s really fired,” said Hindmarsh, who will retire at season’s end.
“But when blokes are on it (and) we’re doing what we’re supposed to do, we’re a team I think a lot of teams are going to hate playing against leading into the semi-finals.
“I think we can be that nuisance team.”
Hindmarsh said the Eels would need little motivation to chase a victory this weekend, particularly after their promising round 13 win over Cronulla.
“The boys have definitely not dropped their heads and kicking stones, they know there’s a fair chunk of the season to go and they’re going to go out there and try to win,” he said.
Both the Eels and Panthers have plenty to play for come Saturday, but coach Stephen Kearney said the wooden spoon was not one of them.
“That’s the furtherest thing from our mind,” he said.
“Certainly when you get two desperate footy sides, I’m sure you’ll get a good performance.
“Our focus for the last month has been really trying to improve our performances and I thought we’ve taken some really good steps there.”
Kearney admitted the team’s position on the ladder has made it difficult for the Eels to attract new players, with their most recent bid for forward Ryan Hinchcliffe losing out to the Melbourne Storm.
“It is a challenge but we’ve got to keep persevering and set our sights on the next target,” he said.
The Panthers are set to welcome back Luke Lewis after the NSW State of Origin backrower missed the heavy loss to Gold Coast last week due to a groin injury.
