The Eels had only 23 players of their top squad available coming into Round 19, and interim coach Trent Barrett conceded “we need some troops back” after their loss to the Titans.
Going down 24-16, the Parramatta outfit currently sit in 16th place on the NRL ladder and have lost their last five games, with their last win coming in Round 13.
The Eels needed to be handed special dispensation this week for debutant Lorenzo Mulitalo to take the field, while Barrett’s other winger, Jake Tago, was playing in his second NRL game.
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Meanwhile, young guns Charlie Guymer, Blaize Talagi and Matt Arthur have all had their development fast tracked this season after a mountain of injuries.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Barrett explained his side’s loss could have been “ugly” if it wasn’t for their experienced heads standing up when needed.
“Probably just let them get away to too much of a start… they are a good side and we knew that and they put 66 on the Warriors a fortnight ago,” Barrett said.
“I’m more proud of the effort of our blokes. We’ve got a lot of young kids in there and blokes who haven’t played a lot of first grade.
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“I thought Gutho (Gutherson) and Reagan (Campbell-Gillard) were outstanding for us. In terms of effort I’m lucky they actually care because that could have got really ugly.
“We need some troops back mate, we have a lot out… It’s a problem for us as a club, our depth is really stretched at the moment in the outside backs.”
Barrett also urged his side “stick together” but was also of the belief there’s not many troops returning any time soon for the Eels.
Bailey Simonsson is out for the season due to a knee injury, while a return for J’maine Hopgood looks unlikely after undergoing surgery on his back.
Kelma Tuilagi is also due to return from a thumb injury in Round 22, while Maika Sivo is nursing a hamstring injury and Junior Paulo injured his Lisfranc in Round 18.
“I think the main thing is that we stick together because we are in a hole at the moment with not a lot coming back,” Barrett said.
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“We are going to get Mitch (Moses) back next week hopefully provided he gets through Origin. But what we’ve got, is what we’ve got. I’m really proud of their effort.”
When asked if it was hard for the Eels to continue to be motivated whilst they struggle consistently, Clint Gutherson disagreed and explained his team want to improve.
“It’s not hard getting them up, we have a bunch of young kids that are willing to buy into what we are doing,” Gutherson said.
“They are getting thrown into the fire a little bit and they are learning on the run which is always hard.
“But as Baz (Barrett) said I thought Reg was great, I thought Laney (Lane) was great in the middle. A lot of our leaders stood up but at crucial times we made crucial errors.
“It doesn’t matter who you play against… if you make those errors they are going to make you pay no matter who it is.”