Daniel Alvaro is adamant that staying at the Parramatta Eels is his main priority despite his future at the club remains uncertain after 2019.
Reports surfaced last week that Alvaro and the Eels had come to an agreement which would see the front-rower stay at the club for at least an extra year.
Alvaro could not confirm those reports, unable to comment with his future still up in the air for now.
What he could confirm, however, was that his preference is definitely to remain at the Eels.
“I definitely want to stay and just want to focus on trying to play good footy,” he said after Wentworthville’s 26-20 win on the weekend.
The 26-year old put in yet another tireless performance in the victory, running for over 200 metres and making 38 tackles.
Alvaro has been a consistent force in the middle for the Magpies in his five appearances this year and is challenging himself to improve all facets of his game.
“[I just want to] try improve everything, just my game as a whole,” he said.
“Just try and play the best I can every week and just hope for an opportunity.”
Alvaro was the shining light in an otherwise dark season for the Eels NRL side last year, averaging 105 running metres and 39 tackles from just 55 minutes per game.
It saw him take home the Ken Thornett Medal and Blue & Gold Army Medal, identified by both teammates and fans as the club’s best player in 2018.
His eagerness to be back out there playing with his teammates couldn’t be missed as he spoke with NSWRL.com.au in the dressing sheds at Bankwest Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Having played in the grand opening of world-class facikity against the Tigers just under three months ago, Alvaro took quick glances at the screen in the corner of the room as he chatted with me, watching his teammates run out for battle once more against their Western Sydney rivals.
“I just want to see the boys go well and keep going well,” he said.
The Eels currently sit in sixth position and seeing them push towards a finals berth after last year’s disappointment only strengthens his desire to be out with them pushing for premiership glory.
The key to title success according to Alvaro – mental and physical resilience – something that has been evident in the way they have responded to their critics.
“[We need to] keep playing tough and finding ways to win.”
