Parramatta coach Brad Arthur knows with the potency of his football team that patience breeds points.
On Sunday night the points flowed freely as Parramatta comprehensively routed the Gold Coast Titans 46-6 in a beating that prompted rival coach Justin Holbrook to compare the last 20 minutes to being “like a ballwork” session for the Eels.
Arthur wasn’t as emphatic with his praise but rather had the subdued satisfaction of a coach who knew his team had followed the game plan perfectly.
“We played really disciplined and stuck to what we thought would work for us and our plan,” Arthur said.
“I was impressed we managed not to get over-excited and just to stick to what we thought would work for us.
“We had a plan and we wanted to stick to it. We want to persist with it. It doesn’t always work out like that, we might have to keep fighting to the 80th minute but we need to keep getting better at it.
Match Highlights: Titans v Eels
“We have to stick to it and be disciplined and have the mentality around turning them around, kicking it long and it worked for us tonight.
“We knew we needed to be a bit better with our execution of the ball but that is going to come with a bit of time on the field and also spending a bit of time with the ball.
“Today we controlled possession. We were clunky at times but we found ways to improve our attack.”
There are few more scary prospects for the NRL than an Eels team at full flight.
With forwards like Junior Paulo and Nathan Brown steaming onto the ball, the Eels were able to lay a platform of dominance over the Titans that when their spirits finally broke in the 56th minute it led to an avalanche of tries.
Arthur said he was impressed with the composure of his team, not to throw away possession cheaply when they could feel themselves on top in the game.
Eels continue strong start with try to Mahoney
“Momentum is hard to stop for any team, the easiest way to give momentum back is lack of discipline and we didn’t lack discipline,” he said.
“We were able to keep our momentum through our possession but it was on the back of discipline.”
With Dylan Brown bagging two tries and Mitchell Moses darting freely around the park, the Eels looked every bit the premiership contenders many expect them to be in 2020.
But the victory may come at a significant cost, with hooker Reed Mahoney assisted from the field late in the first half and to be sent for scans on his ankle.
“He was good and probably one of our better players last week too so it’s a shame for him but he is a tough kid and he will bounce back,” Arthur said.
“One thing I know about Reed is he will continue to work hard and give himself every opportunity as soon as he can.”