Dad has faith in rookie Eels half
EELS coach Brad Arthur says it’s the job of his 18-year-old son Jakob – not Dylan Brown – to guide Parramatta in Mitchell Moses’ absence and keep the blue and golds on track for a top-four berth.
Moses is expected to miss at least a week due to a back fracture, although it hasn’t been made clear how long the Eels expect to be without their star halfback.
In his absence, rookie No.7 Arthur will again fill in alongside Dylan Brown in the halves against Canberra on Thursday, having proved effective in last week’s win over the Gold Coast.
The Raiders are a tricky opponent, having won their past two matches. After that, things get even more difficult for Parramatta, who then play fellow top-four hopefuls the Roosters, Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles.
But coach Arthur said he had no hesitation in handing the reins to Jake.
“Jake’s job is to control the team and get us around the park, which then allows Dylan to play his best footy with his running game,” Arthur said.
“They trained all last week in preparation, just in case, and it was probably our plan to give Mitch a rest anyway. It just worked out he had that injury.
“Dylan really stepped up last week, I thought they combined really well and played their role. We had shape on both sides of the field and then Dylan was able to capitalise on that. (Lock) Nathan Brown is also a key indicator in that, in controlling the middle of the field.”
Jake Arthur made his NRL debut earlier this season and the showdown with the Raiders will be his fifth first-grade game. with the Green Machine
sure to put plenty of pressure on the rookie.
The Eels have won two and lost two of Arthur’s matches – with the two losses coming to South Sydney and Manly.
With a four-point buffer on the fifth-placed Roosters, the Eels have enough breathing room to allow them to be cautious with Moses’ return.
“This week it was just going to be a pain tolerance and he tried to do a light run and it just wasn’t quite right so we didn’t feel like we had to risk him at this stage of the year,” Arthur said.
“Yes, we want him in the team but we also need him at the back end of the year. He’s not taking any painkillers, which is a positive sign.
“It’s an injury we can manage. I’m not a doctor, I’m only going off what people have told me. But he was close to playing this week, he’ll run next week and we’ll see if he’s right to play.”
Arthur also explained why he recalled veteran winger Blake Ferguson, who was dropped after a nightmare defensive display against South Sydney in Round 12.
“Fergo is an Origin player, an Australian player and he’s won premierships so his experience will be invaluable for us,” he said.
Ferguson will resume his place on the right wing alongside 18-year-old Will Penisini, who will debut at right centre.