The Parramatta Eels make it two from two at Bankwest Stadium with a win over the St-George Illawarra Dragons.
MATCH DETAILS
Parramatta started poorly, conceding tries to Ben Hunt and Matthew Dufty within 31 minutes. Beyond this, they played without discipline. The Dragons – on the other hand – played tough and were rightfully on top within the first 40 minutes. An easy try to Reed Mahoney in the final few moments gave the Eels a slight hope of leading into the second half. Clinton Gutherson opened the second half with a try after breaking through the line relatively easily, which was followed up several minutes later by a length-of-the-field try to Maika Sivo. The Dragons regained momentum after Mikaele Ravalawa crossed for a try, however a second try to Sivo, and a try to Blake Ferguson, put the game beyond doubt for Parramatta.
FOUR POINTERS
Fortress Bankwest
Parramatta have scored 83 points and conceded 24 in their two games at Bankwest Stadium. It’s early, but their new stadium is swiftly shaping up as a fortress.
Corey Norman Injured
Corey Norman was solid in the opening 55 minutes of the game despite facing a hostile reaction from the Eels crowd. Unfortunately, he suffered a suspected cheekbone fracture and could be out for up to six weeks.
Maika Sivo’s Growth
Maika Sivo is getting better with every game. His length-of-the-field try was a game changer and fantastic individual effort. Furthermore, he made 198 run metres.
Negative Play
Between both teams there were 17 errors. Parramatta were particularly bad in this department having committed 10. Furthermore, there were 15 penalties between the sides, with the Dragons leading the count at 9. Neither coach would be happy with these stats.
THE RESULT
Parramatta Eels 32
Tries: Maika Sivo (2), Reed Mahoney, Clinton Gutherson, Blake Ferguson
Goals: Mitchell Moses 6/7
Drop Goals: N/A
St George-Illawarra Dragons 18
Tries: Ben Hunt, Matthew Dufty, Mikaele Ravalawa
Goals: Zac Lomax 3/4
Drop Goals: N/A
SQUADS
Parramatta Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Jaeman Salmon 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Daniel Alvaro 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tepai Moeroa
Interchange: 14. Peni Terepo 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Manu Ma’u 19 Kane Evans
St George-Illawarra Dragons: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Jordan Pereira 3. Zac Lomax 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. James Graham 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Blake Lawrie
Interchange: 14. Jeremy Latimore 15. Euan Aitken 16. Jacob Host 17. Luciano Leilua
