True Blue Jamie Soward has announced Eels No.7 Jakob Arthur capable of putting pressure on Parramatta’s two NRL halves Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown based on his stand-out work in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup competition so far.
Soward, in his weekly The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup preview “Short Side” on the NSWRL.com.au website, was glowing in his praise of Arthur’s skills – showing one of the halfback’s two tries in the 40-8 thumping over the Dragons in Round five last weekend.
“It’s their variation that I’m excited about. A silky pass from Arthur creates the space for (Jordan) Rankin, who puts the fullback (Sean Russel) straight through the middle,” Soward said.
Arthur is then one of three Eels players in support to finish off the move.
“For me that’s a classy play because everyone knows their role; does it at the right time at speed; and passes out the front of them for a great try to Jakob Arthur.”
Arthur’s figures for the match were nothing short of impressive: a line-break, two line-break assists, a try assist, four tackle-busts and he scored two tries himself.
“He had quite a game against the St George Illawarra Dragons … he is actually putting pressure on Mitch Moses and Dylan Brown,” Soward said.
“If (NRL coach) Brad Arthur thinks they can’t get the job done, or haven’t improved their attack in the next couple of weeks, I can see Jakob Arthur potentially forcing himself into that side – maybe coming off the bench – as a bit of a shot over the bow of the halves in the NRL team.
“Parramatta Eels are becoming a real force under coach Ryan Carr. They were impressive last weekend and have got forwards trying to put themselves into contention for first grade.
“They are slowly becoming favourites to win this competition and maybe challenge (ladder leaders) Penrith.”
The Eels, currently in fourth spot, take on the fifth-placed Raiders at GIO Stadium at 5.15pm on Saturday.
The Raiders lost to the Panthers 24-10 in round five so will be eager to get back in the winner’s circle.
