The Parramatta Eels need to slash more than half a million dollars from their playing roster for any chance of reaching the NRL finals. And in AFL, the Gold Coast Suns have called on captain Gary Ablett to lift his game.

Lucy Ross reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The likely retirement of Anthony Watmough with a knee injury should help ease some pressure for the Eels’ roster cut.

Kanagroo’s veteran, Corey Parker says the threat of more stars being forced out of the Eels isn’t worrying Aussie rookie, Semi Radradra.

Corey Parker, Kangaroos Forward: “Semi’s been the same since he came into camp as he is now, he’s a very shy, quiet spoken guy, look he’s fine mate.”

The Aussies expect Greg Inglis to rediscover his devastating best in Friday night’s Anzac test against the Kiwis.

In AFL Gary Ablett says he’ll rise to his teammates challenge following the Suns 120-point thrashing from Geelong last weekend.

Gary Ablett, Suns Captain: “You know its getting in, winning that contested ball, and getting it out to our runners on the outside, and you know that was probably the biggest area for me, I’m playing my best footy when I’m doing that, so I was challenged from the boys to make sure I step up my game and I’ll be working on that this week.”

Ablett will have a chance to improve his form at Saturday’s home clash against the Melbourne Demons.

Lucy Ross, QUT News.