Eels Blogs

The Parramatta Eels have pulled off the upset of the season by defeating competition heavyweights the Melbourne Storm. In a tough contest the Eels proved the team better able to defend their line and take their chances. After a chaotic week the Eels were able to put that all behind them and send resigning coach Stephen Kearney out with a win.

The crowd were greeted to a surprise when it was announced superstar fullback Jarryd Hayne would play for the first time since injuring his ankle in the 3rd Origin match. The game started tough but Melbourne gave away an early penalty and invited Parramatta into their half. Parra wasted no time and a slick backline move finished with winger Ken Sio diving over in the corner. Luke Burt however missed just his third kick of the season for the Eels to lead 4-0. The match evened out after this early dominance and it was then the Blue and Gold's turn to defend their line. The Blue and Gold Wall was raised and they repelled the Storm set after set. The Eels then turned the tables on their more fancied opponents with Ben Smith scoring off a deft Hayne grubber. The Eels now led 10-0. Melbourne again marched downfield and only some brilliant defensive plays from Nathan Hindmarsh kept the Storm at bay. However, the Blue and Gold wall finally cracked after a good solo effort from Storm 5/8 Rory Kostjasyn. It was 10-6 at half time.

The second half started with an arm wrestle between both teams. A good kicking game between Jarryd Hayne and Ben Roberts had Melbourne constantly bringing the ball out of their own end. The harder Melbourne tried to breach the Blue and Gold Wall, the harder they were pushed back. There was constant pressure on both Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith, giving them limited room to work in. Chris Sandow, after playing relatively solid throughout the game then showed the creativity he is renowned for. Running across field he drew several defenders before offloading to Ben Roberts. Roberts then passed to Joseph Paulo. Paulo beat one man, stood in the tackle and offloaded to Sandow who straightened and seemed headed for the try-line. Some desperate Melbourne defence stopped him. But Sandow was unable to be contained, later on he stepped through a hole in the Melbourne defence before offloading to a hard running Hindmarsh who crashed over for the first time in nearly 2 seasons and put Melbourne on the ropes. Parramatta were then disadvantaged late in the match with Jarryd Hayne going down with a knee injury.

Melbourne being the team they are were never going to throw in the towel. They pushed and pushed, trying every play they had until, 8 minutes from full time, a well constructed yet dubious play led to a try in the corner. Cameron Smith was unable to convert and the score stood at 16-10 with only 2 minutes to go. Melbourne threw the ball around and attempted to create something from nothing but they were unable to successfully breach the Parramatta defence and that was all she wrote. Parramatta victorious 16-10.

Key Stats:

Nathan Hindmarsh: 91 metres, 1 Line break, 45 tackles, 1 try.

Jarryd Hayne: 75 metres, 2 try assists.

Ben Smith: 72 metres, 2 offloads, 38 tackles, 1 try.