Paulo knows Eels not far off despite tough start

Parramatta co-captain Junior Paulo admits banking victories early in the season is key to timing a finals run but isn't concerned with the side's 0-2 opening to the year. 

The Eels face a Sea Eagles side coming off the bye on Thursday night before clashes against the Panthers and Roosters in the next three weeks. 

Their tough opening has some now predicting they won't win any of those clashes and be stuck on the bottom of the ladder after five rounds. 

"It’s a long season, we’re only in the early stages," Paulo responded.

"We’re one win off fourth spot. It’s only Round 3, I’m sure if we get the win this week no one’s going to be talking about that.

"I don’t think there’s an easy game in the NRL, that’s how the draw is set out. It’s a good character test for us as a team.

"Points differential doesn’t matter too much at the moment but winning those close games are probably going to play a factor at the back end.

"You want to be able to notch a few wins early on in the year so you’re tracking well at the end of the year.

"We are 0-2 but in both those games we had a chance to win right up until the 80th minute.

"We certainly can’t fault our effort but it’s coming down to our execution and getting a few combinations right."

The Eels will get Ryan Matterson back from suspension in Round 4 while Shaun Lane isn't far away after breaking his jaw in the Pre-season Challenge. 

Former Raider Josh Hodgson is also now two games in and hasn't missed a minute in his return from a knee injury. 

"We’re a fairly new squad with guys coming in so we know we’re right there and hanging on," he said.

"As long as we keep turning up week in, week out, eventually it will turn around for us.

"It’s quite hard to hit the nail on the head where we go wrong but it’s more about individuals owning their roles. It’s more proving to ourselves than proving to anyone else."

Paulo was full of praise for another new recruit, J'maine Hopgood, who has hit the ground running in blue and gold. 

Hopgood set up two tries against the Sharks last week and got through a mountain of work in a trajectory that could see him one of the buys of the year.

"He’s been awesome for us, we’ve seen over the last two weeks he’s been one of our best players," Paulo said.

"He’s bought in straight away as soon as he’s come to the club. He’s come from a good system at Penrith and has brought over those traits.

"He’s a non-selfish player who puts the team first."

The Eels received a further boost on Wednesday with confirmation Brad Arthur will remain as head coach until at least the end of 2025 after extending his contract.