Nathan Smith reviews the Parramatta Eels’ defeat of the Canberra Raiders.
MATCH DETAILS
Parramatta hosted the Canberra Raiders at Darwin’s TIO Stadium in NRL round 15. With a shocking record against the Raiders, Parramatta were not expected to achieve much. This was confirmed in only the third minute when Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad scored. Swiftly backed up by Jack Wighton and Sebastian Kris, Canberra were truly in control. Manu Ma’u and Blake Ferguson scored late in the first half, making the score 16-12 Canberra’s way. This would be the final time the Raiders scored, as the second half saw Ferguson score via an intercept, after a long period of defence, and finally a try to Moses – after he broke through the line – to finish the match. Canberra, despite their earlier form, were unable to contain the Eels.
FOUR POINTERS
Darwin is Home
Parramatta have only lost one game in Darwin, and kept that record tonight. They have developed a connection with the Northern Territory, and it will continue to grow with performances like that.
Canberra’s Finals Run
Canberra have been brilliant all year. Though they lost tonight, they have a bye and some very winnable games coming up. They should be a top four team in 2019.
Dylan Brown’s Return
Dylan Brown struggled on his return. It’s to be expected when you’re a young man in first grade rugby league. He will be better for the run and should improve in future games.
No Origin Hangover
Blake Ferguson backed up a huge New South Wales win with a double tonight. There was no sign of an Origin hangover as he helped his side to a second straight win. One would think he walks right back into the wing spot for the Blues in game three.
THE RESULT
Parramatta Eels 22
Tries: Blake Ferguson (2), Manu Ma’u, Mitchell Moses
Goals: Mitchell Moses 3/4
Drop Goals: N/A
Canberra Raiders 16
Tries: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Jack Wighton, Sebastian Kris
Goals: Jarrod Croker 2/3
Drop Goals: N/A
SQUADS
Parramatta Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Brad Takairangi 4. Josh Hoffman 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitch Moses 8. Kane Evans 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Manu Ma’u 13. Nathan Brown. Interchange: 14. Jaeman Salmon 15. Peni Terepo 16. David Gower 19. Tepai Moeroa.
Canberra Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Dunamis Lui 11. John Bateman 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine. Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Corey Horsburgh 16. Sia Soliola 17. Ryan Sutton.
