Written by Hugo Lumb on the NRL website and reproduced here.
Match: Eels v Bears
ROUND 13 - FRIDAY 26TH MAY
Eels
7th Position
Bears
1st Position
Venue:CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Eels upset ladder-leaders at CommBank Stadium
Hugo Lumb
Game summary
The Parramatta Eels secured an impressive 26-8 win over the North Sydney Bears in Round 13 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.
The Eels scored the first points of the night, with centre Isaac Lumelume continuing his run of try-scoring form to lead 4-0.
Parramatta continued the ascendency, taking advantage of an error from North Sydney and crossing in the corner through winger Joshuah Minhinnick.
Camped on the Bears’ line in the 30th minute, the Eels drew a penalty and captain Jordan Rankin elected for a shot at goal. He successfully extended the lead to 12-0, which became the halftime score.
With 27 minutes remaining the Eels added another two points to lead by 14.
Parramatta pushed further ahead when interchange forward Niko Apelu steamed onto a pass from Rankin to give the Eels an almost unassailable 20-point lead.
This margin increased as Eels front-rower Ky Rodwell produced some individual brilliance to crash over in the 68th minute.
With the match drawing to a close, the Bears gained two consolation tries to winger Alfred Smalley, completing the 26-8 final score.
Talking points
The Eels sported a new-look spine following Jake Arthur’s departure. Former centre Zac Cini moved back to fullback and flourished in the No.1, While Daejern Asi switched to five-eighth, providing a kicking game which consistently put the Bears under pressure.
Key moment
As the Bears trailed by 14 points with just over 20 minutes remaining, Apelu’s four-pointer effectively put the game to bed. After marching up the field, a pass from Eels captain and halfback Rankin found the interchange forward in space to dive over the line. It gave the Eels their third try for the match and helped them to a lead 20 points.
What’s next?
The Eels head North to face the Newcastle Knights in Round 14, while the Bears return home to face the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles at North Sydney Oval.
Replies
Another very good performance by the NSW cup boys. Cini one of the picks from fullback running 312m 1 try assist and 1 line break assist, with a huge 16 tackle breaks to go with his quick play the balls followed closely by Rodwell and Asi. Rankin again lead the team from halfback and had an outstanding game.
Lume lined up this week on the wing scoring another try, Rodwell upfront put in an outstanding power props game running for 208m, 79 post contact. Made 6 tackle breaks, 31 tackles with only 1 miss from 65minutes game time picking up a try to boot.
Asi moved into the 5/8 role and kicked well, gaining two forced drop outs, however something different from the young half was his 2 cross field attacking kicks, reminds me of a young Tim Smith in that regard. The young bloke stepped up with a running game as well, managing 139m with a try assist. He didnt shrug his defensive responsibilities making 25 with 1 miss.
Nice summary BE. I don't to hink that Cini's attack has been in question. I think that it is more his defence.
Have not seen much of Asi. Sounds like he had a great game.
can you share a link of the highlights?
https://www.nswrl.com.au/draw/nsw-cup/2023/round-13/eels-v-bears/
nswrl is a good site for reserve grade stuff
Thanks