Nathan Smith reports on the Parramatta Eels’ defeat of the New Zealand Warriors.
MATCH DETAILS
The Parramatta Eels hosted the New Zealand Warriors at Bankwest Stadium on a sunny Saturday in the golden west. Parramatta were on the back foot almost immediately with a try to Ken Maumalo in the first four minutes. Fans’ fears were alleviated by a quick succession of tries to Brad Takairangi (10th minute) and Ethan Parry (13th minute). Issac Luke exposed some soft defence in the middle straight after by bursting through to score. Gerard Beale followed up in the 22nd minute to give the Warriors an 18-12 half time lead. There were only three tries in the second half: one to Maika Sivo, one to Parramatta captain Clinton Gutherson, and a second try to Maumalo. The difference, in the end, would be a Mitchell Moses penalty goal.
FOUR POINTERS
Parramatta’s Run
Parramatta now sit sixth on the ladder. At 22 points, they are close to guaranteeing their finals spot. Most experts suggest 28 points is what a team needs; so three more wins assures finals footy.
Warriors Robbed?
Late in the game, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck threw an offload that seemed to lead to a certain match-winning try, but the referees pulled it up for a forward pass. On a second view, it seems as if the call was incorrect and harsh. It makes things hard for the Warriors, who are on the brink of making the eight.
Ethan Parry
Ethan Parry had the difficult task of replacing Blake Ferguson, the Eels’ most influential player. In two first grade games he has scored two tries, and for the most part has looked solid. The young man has a good future ahead of him.
Warriors’ Run
The Warriors, who are just outside the top eight, have a tough run home. In the next three weeks they face the Raiders, Sea Eagles and Roosters. If there are no wins in those three games, they aren’t going to be in the finals.
THE RESULT
Parramatta Eels 24
Tries: Brad Takairangi, Ethan Parry, Maika Sivo, Clinton Gutherson
Goals: Mitchell Moses 4/5
Drop Goals: N/A
New Zealand Warriors 22
Tries: Ken Maumalo (2), Issac Luke, Gerard Beale
Goals: Issac Luke 3/4
Drop Goals: N/A
SQUADS
Parramatta Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Brad Takairangi, 4. Waqa Blake, 21. Ethan Parry, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Kane Evans, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Marata Niukore, 12. Manu Ma’u, 13. Nathan Brown. Interchange: 14. Oregon Kaufusi, 15. Daniel Alvaro, 16. David Gower, 17. Tepai Moeroa.
New Zealand Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Gerard Beale, 3. Peta Hiku, 4. Blake Ayshford, 5. Ken Maumalo, 17. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Blake Green, 8. Agnatius Paasi, 9. Issac Luke, 10. Leeson Ah Mau, 11. Adam Blair, 12. Isaiah Papali’i, 13. Jazz Tevaga. Interchange: 14. Lachlan Burr, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Bunty Afoa, 20. Adam Keighran.
