Match Report: Another extra-time loss ends 2011

For the second week in a row, Parramatta have been downed in extra time going down 8 to 7 against the Bulldogs, despite Jarryd Hayne showing in the second half of the match that he is going to be a world-class five-eighth if he sticks with that position.

Jarryd Hayne evoked memories of the greatest Parramatta five-eighth of all time when he swooped upon an intercept to score a try that put the Eels back into the match.

After a dusty first 40 minutes, where Hayne struggled to make an impression in his new position in wet and slippery conditions, Hayne came alight in the second stanza but it wasn’t enough for Parramatta to get home as ex-Eel Trent Hodkinson landed two fields to finish the Eel’s season in extra time.

The Blue and Gold had all the early running in the first 20 minutes getting consecutive repeat sets while the Dogs struggled to get themselves out of trouble with simple mistakes. It looked like they had come up with an early try but Taniela Lasalo was adjudged to have made the faintest of knock-ons and it was disallowed by the video referee. Parramatta kept possession but couldn’t deliver the killer blow and having refused a simple two-point opportunity had nothing to show for their early dominance.

Slowly, the Dogs worked their way back into the match and when interchange hooker Josh Reynolds entered the fray, the match changed complexion completely with Canterbury assuming the upper hand. Eventually, it was Reynolds who took advantage of some sloppy ruck defence from new Parramatta recruit Joseph Paulo to crack the Eels, pass to a supporting Trent Hodkinson and then backup to score the try.

Parramatta defended bravely during the latter part of the half to hold the Bulldogs out, but the half-time break was well-timed as the Eels really were stuggling as Canterbury found their groove.

But it was Hayne who took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half, busting the Canterbury defence in the early minutes of the half, only to be brought down by the last line of defence. He then swooped out of the line to snatch a long pass out of the air and race more than 60 metres to score. It was a play that would have made legendary Eels five-eighth Brett Kenny, arguably the greatest intercept artist of all time, proud.

Hayne has one tool in his armoury that Kenny never had - an exceptional kicking game. He kept the Dogs under pressure with some smart kicks into the in-goal and deep into the Canterbury red zone and then with five minutes to go potted a field goal to give his side the advantage.

However, a penalty in defence from Jeff Robson put the Dogs back on the attack as the minutes wound down and having survived a close barge over attempt from Reynolds, they couldn’t stop Trent Hodkinson from levelling the match with a field goal of his own.

In extra time, Hodkinson just went wide with a kick that could have won it. In the end, it took an incredible 40 plus metre kick in the second stanza of extra time, for Hodkinson to seal the match for the Dogs.

Even mathematically, there is little chance the Eels can make the finals now. Most interest during the rest of the season is likely to rest on how much improvement Hayne can make as a pivot and what that means for next year. Parramatta’s primary alternative for the pivot position, Ben Roberts had a mixed game, with some big moments and some ordinary ones, as he is want to produce in any one match.

Bring on 2012.

Replies

eelkev July 22, 2011 at 9:45pm

Please send Robson to Cronulla NOW. His performance was diabolical tonight culminating in a ridiculous penalty that gave the Dogs the field position to kick the first field goal. I am gutted.
Michael Ericson July 22, 2011 at 9:50pm

I have never yelled as hard at a tv set as when robson gave away that penalty. Dumbest play I have ever seen -and I've seen some dumb ones.
- d4x > Michael Ericson July 22, 2011 at 10:23pm
  
  Yeah i've f**ked my voice from the screaming... Robson cost us so much tonight
- Ricardo Bravo > Michael Ericson July 22, 2011 at 10:33pm
  
  i hear ya Michael Ericson.. he also did it against Dragons which put them back into the game... WHAT A TOSSER... never liked this clown
Johnny Suede July 22, 2011 at 9:51pm

Or, ultimately, if you insist on playing through to extra time, LEARN how to kick field goals!!!!
Kenny was the King July 22, 2011 at 9:53pm

SK must be sacked immediately!!!!!!!!!!

WTF would you change the line-up. Bring in Paula - let's the only try in. Bring in Robson - gives away a penalty with minutes remaining allowing them to kick a field-goal. Keep PatO on the bench - literally for another 80 minutes! SK has absolutely NFI.

I will add that once again we were ripped off with Etu's try being disallowed. Not one replay showed the ball touching Lasalo - at worse it was BOD!
- Hish > Kenny was the King July 22, 2011 at 10:00pm
  
  It clearly touches his arm. Please don't blame the ref. He was on our side all night. Blame robbo for being a moron and burt for being out of date instead.
Peter July 22, 2011 at 9:54pm

i am seriously gutted tonight. That was a game we should have won.
Half of me feels sorry for the boys we really seem to be missing players with everony playing all over the park.
But we made alot of stupid lazy mistakes. We should have taken the 2 with the first penalties.
This year is getting worse and worse its the first time in a long time i am glad there is not too much footy left this year for us.
Kenny was the King July 22, 2011 at 9:55pm

Who said Anderson should be sacked??? At least he had experience & TOOK US TO THE GF! I'll take Anderson over SK any day!
- Y. Stuart > Kenny was the King July 22, 2011 at 10:15pm
  
  Hayne took us to the GF. Ando simply gave him a free pass.