Slow start fails to clip wings of Eagles
GOLD Coast Eagles captain Dean Counter says his side’s shock 2018 elimination final triumph is still providing confidence that they can get the job done when crunch time arrives.
The Eagles pulled off a remarkable upset against Helensvale last September to make the Gold Coast District Rugby Union preliminary final.
Their new campaign has started slowly in the form of three losses, although Counter said the squad “felt like we turned a corner” in their 15-12 match against Surfers Paradise last weekend.
“We sort of tweaked our game plan and worked on a few set piece things. We don’t feel like we will get blown out again,” he said, referring to their particularly heavy 66-5 loss to the Hogs in Round 2.
Counter noted they have been competitive in the first half against the competition’s top teams but now need to extend it through to the back end of matches.
While an 0-3 record is not ideal, the prop believes they can again make a dent if they put themselves in play-offs contention.
“I think we can compete come deep into the year,” he said.
“(That Hogs win last year) gives us confidence that we have done it before.”
Hooker Excell Placid (ankle) will miss their Round 4 match tomorrow against Bond Pirates – who are also chasing their first win of the year – while Counter is hopeful of overcoming a shoulder complaint to play in what shapes as a key game for their campaign.
“We’re pretty desperate but we know we are playing some better footy now,” he said.