A clinical performance from the Eels (how many times have we said that in past years?) have toppled Penrith 32-16 at Parramattta stadium.
Late mail came in for both sides. Kelepi Tanginoa ran out in the Holden Cup, in his place was debutante Pauli Pauli. Penrith halfback Peter Wallace was ruled out, replaced by Isaac John and Tim Grant was dropped for Sika Manu.
The match started the best way possible for the Eels. Willie Tonga latched on to an intercept and raced 90 metres to score.
Isaac John hit back for Penrith, running a sweet line 15 metres out from the Eels' line. The conversion saw the score move to 6-6.
Nathan Peats then caught out the Penrith defence close to the line, scurrying over next to the posts. Chris Sandow's conversion saw the Eels move ahead 12-6.
Enterprising play by Parramatta saw Will Hopoate cross before the video referee deemed Peni Terepo offside from the kick.
Penrith responded through Lewis Brown when he sold a dummy and dived over from close range. The missed conversion meant the Eels led 12-10 at half-time.
The Panthers came out the stronger team early in the first half. Dean Whare scored on the back of a smooth back-line move. With that try they moved ahead 16-12.
But the Eels didn't drop their heads. They pressed the Penrith line and were duely rewarded when Manu Ma'u refused to be stopped and scored his first try in the NRL.
It then didn't take long for Semi Radradra to bag his customary try when he collected a bullet-like pass from Jarryd Hayne and carried David Simmons over the line. Taking his tally to seven tries in four matches.
Hayne also got in on the act, powering over from dummy-half before Ken Sio also scored in his first match in the NRL for 2014.
A big positive was the control displayed by Chris Sandow. His kicking game, along with Norman's and Hayne's, allowed the Eels to close out the match.
The control and determination that Parramatta showed has been missing in recent years but it appears that they have re-discovered the will to win.
They will require all of that determination when they face Brisbane next week.
Replies
GET THAT ONE UP YA GUS GOULD!!!!
And Paul Kunt
Me too buddy can't wait.
Peats making over 50 tackles. The bloke is going to be a super star.