Plenty of panic at Parramatta Eels

Yesterday, the headlines screamed "No panic at Eels" as Nathan Hindmarsh was wheeled out to do the publicity for the club which has lost 4 of its first 5 games.

Hindy told radio and whoever else who'd listen that his side looked better against Canberra than they had for weeks - but that there was no explanation for the loss.

Perhaps there's a clue: Each time Canberra scored, the cameras showed Cayless with his head in his hands - hardly an indication of confidence.

Hindmarsh said there were too many generals, and that there should be one man directing traffic. Hindy himself seemed to be running into dead ends each time he touched the ball.

So today, the club announces Hindy as co-captain. That's not the sign of a club without panic. Rest assured, the Eels management is swinging quickly into crisis mode and players will be put on firm notice that their performance will determine their future at the club.

There's an old saying that a side of champions doesn't necessarily make a champion side.

From a punting perspective, their games - no matter who they're playing - should be a "no go zone".