Eels proving they are the real deal
COREY Norman says his side has proved any doubters wrong after the group spoke about the lack of respect they had been given from outside the team’s headquarters.
Norman also indicated the Eels had provided the blueprint for the rest of the competition on how to beat the Melbourne Storm.
The Storm were predicted by many to blow the Eels off the park on Saturday but they managed just a two-point win.
“No one really gave us a chance. We knew that,” Norman said.
“They are a very good side. “We had the belief that we could always go to the last game of the year. A few outsiders are surprised by what we did but we’re not surprised.”
Parramatta had a distinct game plan to tackle in numbers and ruffle the Storm.
Whenever their danger players went to the line they were knocked to the ground, while with the ball the Eels interchange targeted isolated Melbourne defenders.
Norman said other teams could do the same.
“That’s how we’ve been playing all year,” he said.
“We didn’t change anything from what we’ve been doing the past 26 rounds. If that gives other sides a look on how to play Melbourne, that’s it.
“It would’ve been ideal to get the win. When we look back on the video I think (it will show that) we hurt ourselves too much and turned the ball over to a quality side.”