The Parramatta Eels have gone down 32-12 to the Canterbury Bulldogs but will have a number of concerns after five players were seen to be carrying injuries.
Winger, Semi Radradra's night ended early when he succumbed to a knee injury late in the first half, meanwhile both Anthony Watmough and Chris Sandow received treatment during the match, eventually returning.
Tepai Moeroa also seemed to be favouring his left shoulder again, being pulled from the field in the final 15 minutes and Beau Champion was assisted off the ground inside the final five minutes with a knee injury.
Parramatta were far from their best and whilst they were valiant in defence, their attack left a lot to be desired.
Canterbury began the match with seven consecutive sets on the Eels' line, including a couple of dubious refereeing decisions but the Dogs could only crack Parramatta's line once, with Curtis Rona giving the home side a 4-0 lead.
13 minutes in and the Bulldogs had used the ball ten times to the Eels' two.
Pressure continued to mount on Parramatta with Brett Morris finding his way to the line 20 minutes in.
8-0 to the Dogs following two missed shots at conversion by Trent Hodkinson.
The Eels though fought their way back into the game through Semi Radradra who was on the back end of some sweet work from Corey Norman.
Reece Robinson's radar was off though and it was 8-4 to the Dogs at half-time.
Parramatta came screaming out of the blocks at the start of the second half. Manu Ma'u had his first career double, scoring two tries in five minutes to give the Eels a 12-8 lead.
The early defensive work and mounting injury toll took its toll though as the Dogs began to make their possession and field position count.
Rona completed his double with Sam Perrett and Brett Morris also getting two tries apiece.
This game was very winnable for the Eels but their ill-discipline with the ball in hand cost them.
Chris Sandow lives by the sword and dies by the sword, his decision to chip and chase on the third tackle on half way is one of those moments where Brad Arthur, if he had any hair, would be ripping it out.
For all the talk of the Dogs' pack, they weren't particularly impressive. Parramatta's line-speed was kept up for most of the match and they were able to stop the Dogs' forwards from really pushing through the line.
Danny Wicks, in his return to the NRL, was one of the most impressive for the Eels, running the ball 16 times for 140 metres and making 20 tackles.
It will be a long wait for the injury reports next week with a number of players likely to be ruled out.
Parramatta makes the trip across the ditch on Saturday to play the Warriors in round three.
See More: http://www.bluegoldglory.com.au/2015/03/13/7570/walking-wounded-1
Replies
I hope Semi's injury is not too bad....didn't look too good however! But then again, when Sandow was bent over and hobbled off I thought he was gone for the season! Fingers crossed for Semi and Moeroa. I actually think they will be sorely missed if they are out for an extended period!!
semi was unlucky with a morris ankle tap ,
I hope the trailer isn't as bas as first thought, he will be a massive loss.
LMFAO Super - you could be a Stand up Comedian with this little gem.
This game was very winnable for the Eels but their ill-discipline with the ball in hand cost them.
IF only we could keep the ball in our hands.
Well - to all the guys who think some of our young, lower grade players are so crash hot - looks like you may have death ridden our FG side and will get your wish to see your young guns cop a flogging.
How many out now - 8, 9 or 10 ?
If we haven't dropped too far out of the 8 by mid season we are still a good chance to finish 6 - 8. (GEEZ this Unicorn milk and Mushroom Smoothie is delicious today)
Well we have some $$ in the cap, maybe BA will need to use it or lose it like last year.
As for our performance, I cant believe I`m saying this, but I thought we hung in tough for the majority of the game while our boys were falling like flies. Guys playing out of position, completing at 68% and 10 less sets. Its amazing we were still in the game at the 65 min to be honest. The guys have a lot more steel this year and our pack are no longer the butt of jokes in the comp. We should be proud of that effort TBH.
Now Col, go on and take some of your pills mate, I think you are due.
at least 8 players with a injury
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next