A diabolical performance from the Parramatta Eels has handed the Penrith Panthers a 38-12 win. Doubles to Tyrone Peachey and Josh Mansour paved the way for the Panthers.
Eels fans thought their club had turned the corner following their 36-0 demolition of the Dragons before Origin.
Pre-match it was announced that Jarryd Hayne would be sitting out following his mammoth performance for the Blues on Wednesday night. Justin Hunt's club debut in place of Hayne was a forgettable one.
Penrith scored inside the opening five minutes and it just seemed that the Eels were disinterested, continuously dropping the ball and unable to hold their shape in attack.
Parramatta's goal-line defence held out their mistakes for 20 minutes before Segeyaro's try opened the flood gates. Sio was quickly switched to fullback, with Hunt moving to the wing.
The game didn't get any better for the Eels, with enforcer Darcy Lussick leaving the field due to a patella injury.
At half-time the score read 18-0 to the Panthers.
Nathan Peats didn't last long in the second half. Leaving the field due to a knee injury he has been carrying throughout the season.
With the score at 30-0 and just over 10 minutes to play the Eels then decided they'd click into gear. Pauli Pauli stormed over with Norman then latching onto a loose pass.
At 30-12 and 10 minutes remaining Eels fans were beginning to think of the Tigers match from a few years ago. But a try to Josh Mansour followed by Jamie Soward killed off any thoughts of an Eels comeback.
It's back to the drawing board for the Eels who face the Cowboys next week at Pirtek Stadium. Parramatta will welcome back co-captain Jarryd Hayne next week in a massive boost for the side.
Replies