NRL: Eels prop says he's got nothing to prove

Carl Webb. Photo / Getty Images

Parramatta prop Carl Webb denies he has anything to prove to former NRL club North Queensland when he makes his Eels debut against the Cowboys today.

The former Queensland and test front-rower was widely expected to finish his career in the English Super League, having been told he had no future with the Cowboys last year after the team missed the finals for a third successive season.

However, the Eels stepped in and offered the 31-year-old an NRL lifeline through a two-year deal, which toppled bids by Wigan and Catalans to tempt Webb to Europe.

Webb's departure was part of a big clearout at the Cowboys with Willie Mason, Luke O'Donnell and Anthony Watts among the big names who left as the club restructured on and off the field.

But the powerful front-rower said he was only interested in winning two points for the Eels, not trying to show his former coach Neil Henry he made a mistake letting him go. He said he felt no need to prove anything.

Webb has missed the opening three rounds of the season through calf and hamstring problems, but insists his fitness is good after a punishing pre-season programme where he has shed almost 9kg, and an appearance for NSW Cup side Wentworthville last week.

"The coach has told me exactly what he expects from me and I am confident I can do a job for the team and cannot wait to get back out there and playing again," he said. "It is a good game to come back for, but I am not putting myself under any stress or pressure."

The Eels have lost their last two games after a promising start to the season with a win over the Warriors in Auckland, and face a Cowboys side who were very impressive in beating Melbourne on Monday.

- AAP