Parramatta will head to Campbelltown on Friday night to take on the Wests Tigers, looking to avoid picking up the wooden spoon as their dire season draws to a close.
The Eels started the year with their eyes firmly fixed on gaining re-entry into the top-eight after narrowly missing out in 2023.
However, a slow start quickly degenerated into a spiral which saw them slide down the ladder with Brad Arthur paying the price with his job.
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Parramatta Eels fire shot at Tigers ahead of ‘Spoon Bowl’
"The Tigers have got the last two, haven’t they?" Shaun Lane said ahead of the game being dubbed ‘Spoon Bowl’.
"So, for their fans it gives them a little bit of hope to try and compete to finally not be last again."
Benji Marshall’s side have been rooted to the bottom of the ladder since Round 17 after the Eels managed to jump ahead of them with a bye.
The Tigers have shown signs of improvement in the rookie coach’s first season at the helm and will be desperate to hand the Eels their first wooden spoon since 2018.
"I’m not very proud that I’m competing in ‘Spoon Bowl’, but it is what it is," Lane said.
"For our fans it’s a bit different because we’ve been competing at the highest level for years now. It’s a bit of a kick in the guts for them.
"There won’t be celebrations [after a victory]. We won’t be carrying on like we’ve done anything special.
"At the end of the day, we’re still sitting second last. It’s top-eight and finals or it’s a failure, really."
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Lane is just one of many players to struggle for the Eels in 2024 with the backrower plagued by poor form and inconsistency throughout the campaign.
After starting the year in his customary role on an edge, the one-time Australia Kangaroos contender has since been moved all around the forward pack as Arthur and then interim coach Trent Barrett tried to find a winning formula.
Stints coming off the interchange bench, at lock and even in the front row have ensued with the season unfortunately going down as another disappointment for Lane following his injury-plagued 2023.
"It’s not been a highlight season in my career," the 29-year-old said.
"It’s probably one that I’m pretty keen to see the end of."
