Parramatta's prize forward Nathan Hindmarsh predicted the Eels would be a thorn in the side of NRL heavyweights Sydney Roosters and Penrith following their 44-22 thrashing of Cronulla at Toyota Park on Saturday night.
The consistent Hindmarsh was again outstanding for the Eels, who dealt a savage blow to the Sharks' flickering chances of making the NRL finals starting next month.
The NSW Origin back-rower made 24 hit-ups for a 185m gain and 31 tackles in a stellar 80-minute performance which had coach Brian Smith raving.
The Eels have conceded defeat in the race for the finals but that hasn't stopped Hindmarsh from declaring they will be prove a handful for top four sides Penrith and the Roosters in their final two matches of 2004.
"It's always good to come off the season with a win, even if it's a non semi-final game. I think it's a positive thing," said Hindmarsh, who used the bye last week to relax in his hometown of Robertson.
"We're not going to go out there and lie down. We'll definitely be a nuisance, don't worry about that."
Smith revealed that Hindmarsh had relayed a message to him via assistant coach Jason Taylor after the opening eight minutes.
"I can't tell you what Jason said but basically it was along the lines that Nathan was tired," said Smith about Taylor's colourful language.
"How he does what he does ... I've said it too many times, I have no idea.
"It's not just the volume of work but the quality of work. He's an amazing footballer."
Five-eighth Chris Thorman, a late replacement for Adam Dykes (ribs), ensured he would go back to English club Huddersfield with at least one win under his belt from his eight games in the NRL.
The English import had his best game of a frustrating season, constantly causes problems for Cronulla's defence, which was ordinary in front of 14,867 fans on a cold, blustery night.
With the assistance of the strong wind, the Eels led 18-6 at halftime against a Sharks outfit which looked flat following their big upset win over the Roosters last weekend.
"How you deal with it?" asked Raper about the let-down after such a huge win.
"I think every coach is racking their brain to figure it out the best way to deal with it.
"I thought our preparation was good ... obviously it wasn't because we lost. It doesn't mean I'm going to slit my throat and not continue on what we've been doing this year so far."
The Sharks have the bye next week and must win their remaining two matches to have any hope of being around for the finals.
"It's not a lost cause," said Raper, who welcomes back captain Brett Kimmorley and Andrew Lomu (both hamstring) against Melbourne on August 28.
"Where there's hope we'll continue to fight and that's what I said to the guys."
Hindmarsh said his 12th-placed team had stuck to its game plan on Saturday night.
Asked how many times the Eels had done that this year, Hindmarsh replied: "How many wins have we had?"
It's only been eight, Nathan, but there's always next year.
