Eels rake eyes reigning premiers

Dyldam Parramatta Eels hooker Nathan Peats is preparing to face the reigning premiers after making a monstrous 60 tackles in his first NRL game back after undergoing neck surgery.

The number nine says Round One's 4-17 loss to the Brisbane Broncos last week is old news, as the Blue and Gold turn their focus to the North Queensland Cowboys.

"It was a pretty tough game on Thursday. We didn't complete a lot of sets in the second half so we had a lot of work to do in the middle," Peats said.

"It was a bit of a sloppy game, but we will move on from it."

The challenge this week is the Premiers, the Cowboys, and Peats said the Blue and Gold need to be ready for a tough challenge.

"Every game against the Cowboys is tough, and they are coming off a win and the World Club Challenge as well, so obviously they are a great side with a big forward pack too" Peats said.

"It is going to be a tough game but we can't worry too much about them we just have to sort our things out from the game against the Broncos and hopefully have a better game this week," Peats added.

With fellow Eels teammate Corey Norman confirming he would be playing alongside new recruit Kieran Foran in the halves, Peats was looking forward to having the Team Captain on the field.

"It has been a long time coming [seeing Kieran Foran out there], we obviously had that game in the trial with him, but it should be a good game this week and hopefully he can do his thing with Normy there," Peats said.

"He has been leading the side around really well, there on the right side with Normy on the left side, and they have been gelling pretty well. He is obviously a high calibre player so having him in our side will obviously make us a better."

"Having a player like him in your side is good for everyone, he is a great leader and that's why he is a captain," Peats added.

"When he talks everyone listens. He has been around for a while now, achieved a lot of things and having him in the side is a positive."

The Dyldam Parramatta Eels take on the North Queensland Cowboys at Pirtek Stadium this Saturday night, kick off at 7:30pm.

Purchase your tickets to the Round Two encounter here.

Article with thanks to Parramatta Eels - www.parraeels.com.au