A spirited showing from the Parramatta Eels has seen them replicate their round one performance of 2013 in defeating the Warriors 36-16. Hat-tricks to Semi Radradra and Vai Toutai led the rampage for the Eels with Nathan Peats a real spark in attack.
Parramatta began the match strongly with Radradra crossing inside five minutes to give the Eels a 6-0 lead. The Warriors appeared to hit back through Glen Fisiiahi but a despairing Vai Toutai bundled the winger into touch.
Radradra was amongst it again, this time breaking down the touch line before finding Jarryd Hayne. The Eels up 10-0 inside 15 minutes. Fisiiahi hit back for the visitors, making the scoreline 10-4.
The Eels went wide once more with Hopoate delivering the final pass to Vai Toutai. Amazingly Toutai was able to position his body perfectly inside the touchline whilst grounding the ball, the scored stood at 14-4.
Warriors hit back just on half-time when they were awarded an eight point try after Peni Terepo made contact with Carlos Tuimavave's nose in trying to tackle the centre. The half-time score read 14-12.
Radradra crossed for his second shortly after half-time following a spilled bomb and the Eels were up 20-12. He then scored his third after Tomkins dropped another Kelly bomb.
Manu Vatuvei managed to keep the Warriors in the game when he crossed in the corner.
Then Jarryd Hayne embarrassed the Warriors' defence. Drifting from the left wing across field he muscled his way into the in-goal before his try was turned down due to a perceived double movement.
Toutai then finished the match scoring two more tries to cap off a stellar performance by the blue and golds.
For Parramatta the addition of Nathan Peats to the starting line-up paid dividends. Decisive running from dummy-half and quick passing allowed the Eels plenty of go forward.
Manu Ma'u caused havoc all night down the Warriors' right edge with Willie Tonga playing the best he has in a long time. Ben Smith did his job alongside Luke Kelly meaning the Eels didn't have too many defensive issues.
The Eels also hung tough on their line, often repelling multiple sets from the Warriors and closing down both Shaun Johnson and Sam Tomkins. Tomkins in particular was targeted by Tonga who didn't let the Warriors custodian settle.
There is still room for improvement for the Eels with a much sterner test facing them next week in the form of the Roosters. But for now the blue and gold faithful can relax in the comfort of sitting in the top four.
Replies
Mitch gives you an A+ Super, but remember he is a Home Ecc teacher.
They didn't replicate their win same round and opponent as last year. It was vastly different.
Tonight we saw the beginning of king Arthur's reign and from what I can gather we are a very structured, organised, refreshed and formidable team.
The win against the Warriors in the corresponding match last year was based on ad lib, flukey, disorganised and showy footy.
Tonight's match left me with much more enthusiasm and hope as we won the match with a great deal of structure in both attack and defence.
The signs are great albeit from one match but one thing to come out of tonight is.., I doubt we will get the spoon this year!
GO YOU EELS!
BUT.......
Couldve been said in one of the 50 odd blogs re 1st game blogs.
NO OFFENSE
JUST SAYIN.
That was a really good summary SuperEel, very well written mate.
We can only continue to improve from now on. Between a few weeks and a few few months this team will look even better and have many more new faces in it. Morgan, Sio, Loko, Folau, Santi, Alvaro, Mossop, Jnr Paulo, (Sandow?) That's 9 players that I can think of right now, yet there could be a couple more new additions too. So much extra depth this year too. Plus Hunt, Faraimo, Joseph Ualesi, Cummins, Davis, ZDC, Pritchard, etc.