An inspired performance from Chris Sandow has led the Eels to a 22-12 win over the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.
The win broke a couple of unwanted records for the Eels.
Coming into the round, they had lost 24 of their past 25 away matches, had won only 4 from their past 29 games without Jarryd Hayne and had lost 14 consecutive matches at ANZ Stadium.
The ever improving Eels were tough in defence but surprisingly slick in attack given they were missing their talismanic co-captain, Jarryd Hayne.
With Ken Sio ruled out with a shoulder injury prior to kick-off, Luke Kelly returned to NRL side. Corey Norman and Chris Sandow then shared the fullback duties with Kelly moving into the halves.
The Bulldogs, as expected, rolled down the middle with their large forward pack but lacked their usual polish without Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds.
With the Dogs pressuring the Eels line, Semi Radradra telegraphed the Dogs' move and raced 85 metres to score under the posts. 6-0 after 18 minutes.
The Eels were in again a couple of minutes later. Sandow slicing through, drawing the fullback and popping the pass to Toutai to score in the corner.
10-0 at half-time and the Eels had kept the Dogs scoreless for 40 minutes.
The Bulldogs though, refused to lie down. Hitting back quickly after half-time through Corey Thompson.
But where the Eels in the past would've dropped their heads, the 2014 blue and golds put their foot to the throttle.
Pauli Pauli drawing three defenders before slipping a deft pass to Vai Toutai for his second of the afternoon.
Pauli Pauli again turned ball-player. This time taking a short-ball from Sandow before popping the pass to Ryan Morgan. 18-6 to the Eels and 14 minutes on the clock.
The Eels were in again, this time after another Bulldogs mistake. Maitua dropping the ball into Isaac De Gois' lap who found Ryan Morgan who streaked away for his second of the afternoon.
Corey Thompson scored a late consolation try to leave the score at 22-12.
Brad Arthur was happy with performance, saying his side played tough and that the forwards stood up against the star-studded Bulldogs pack.
The Eels move up to seventh and will look to continue their momentum when they face Melbourne at AAMI Park next week.
See More: http://www.bluegoldglory.com.au/2014/06/15/4586/eels-bite
Replies
Yep. Maybe we should sign him up.
My sister used to have the same hair-do when she was between 3-5.I used to take the piss out of her by calling it the "palm tree".