Parramatta’s 2020 squad sit on the verge of history with a win over Manly set to secure their longest ever run at the top of the NRL ladder.
The Eels will gun for their ninth win in 10 matches on Saturday night against the injury-ravaged Sea Eagles, which will secure top spot at the halfway mark.
The Eels have now sat in first place at the end of each weekend since round two – some 117 days ago and just shy of the 119 days they spent there in 1977.
This year’s streak is of course boosted by the coronavirus shutdown, with the Eels having gone to the top of the ladder just before the competition was put on hold.
However their longevity at the top is still impressive, given only their 2001 side has spent more than eight consecutive rounds in first place during the salary cap era.
But regardless, coach Brad Arthur insists this is a Parramatta team that is not buying into external hype.
“They’re not satisfied and have such high expectations on themselves and the standards of game they want to play,” Arthur said.
“It’s more around that than the actual results or winning two in a row or three in a row.
“It’s more about can we continue to turn up with that same attitude and mentality on a weekly basis.
“That’s what they really try to focus on and pride themselves on.”
Arthur said that was best exemplified by the team’s disappointment over their performance against Newcastle, despite beating a fellow top-eight side 10-4.
The Eels currently sit one point clear at the top, with both Melbourne and Penrith a chance to pass them if they lose on Saturday night.
And they’ll again have to do it without halfback Mitchell Moses, with Parramatta opting to take the safe route with their star playmaker.
Arthur will again put his place in Dylan Brown and Jai Field, expecting them to spark their attack again after it failed to fire against the Knights.
“Playing Mitch at 80 per cent is silly,” Arthur said.
“We’ve got blokes there at 100 per cent and I have trust in both they can do their job.
“Two young halves are getting their opportunity to own their role. But it’s got to be on the rest of the team as well.”
PARRAMATTA’S LONGEST RUNS AT THE TOP
1977: 119 days
2020: 117 days
2001: 77 days
1986: 42 days
1982: 42 days