The Parramatta Eels showed the WA Reds the serious side of the SG Ball competition with a 62 to nil thumping at Cabramatta.

The Eels showed the depth of their development program and strength needed by the Reds if they are going to grow in the competition. It is a lesson which will not be lost on the WA Rugby League as they use the competition as part of their own development for a strong junior program for the future.

The instructions from the coaching staff this week was to push the ball more directly and gain a higher completion rate, this Reds were more direct but failed to complete at the standard needed against a side of the calibre of the Eels.

The Reds were also without halfback Pat Murphy and centre Brenton Cowen from the first tackle after they clashed heads and had to sit out the majority of the game with stitches.

Best player for the Reds, Justin Lemalu was again outstanding at Front Row, other players to perform well included Tom Lidden and Justin Ferris.

Coach Andrew Korn is still happy with the response to tasks being set for his charges, and hopes that the potential of losing confidence will not undermine the team as they move through the season.

“The focus over the next three weeks will be to get through the tough games. Canterbury next week then Newcastle and South Sydney will test the side, we want the guys to do the small things and make sure we are moving forward and confident with what we do. The depth of the Sydney clubs is definitely a telling factor.

The opportunity after those three weeks will then be open for them to finish off with the games at home against Manly and Illawarra, which we can win. Winning a game in between will be a bonus.”

Next week will see the side play at home for the first time since February 14. The game on Saturday, March 13 will be against Canterbury Bulldogs at Ken Allen Field in Hilton with kick off at 11.00am.