Nathan Smith reviews the Parramatta Eels’ defeat of the Brisbane Broncos.
MATCH DETAILS
Parramatta hosted the Brisbane Broncos at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday night. With both sides sitting on 12 points, a win would see the victor jump into the bottom of the top eight. The first try of the night was nothing flashy: Junior Paulo charged the ball up and crashed over the line. Minutes later, Maika Sivo continued his try scoring form by planting it down in the corner. Parramatta signalled that this was one of their ‘on’ games with a third try in the opening quarter to Michael Jennings. The opening half finished with tries to Josh Hoffman and David Gower, providing Parramatta with a 26-0 lead. Brisbane were quick to respond in the second half with a try to Matt Gillett in the first four minutes. Unfortunately, the joy was short lived. Hoffman intercepted a ball to score yet another try for Parramatta, making the score 32-4. Both sides scored one more try each and the final score was 38-10. Parramatta chalked up their seventh win of the year while Brisbane continued their inconsistent away form.
FOUR POINTERS
Brisbane’s Poor Sydney Form
Brisbane have now lost three games in Sydney. They were 22-0 down against the Roosters, 26-0 down against the Rabbitohs and 26-0 down against Parramatta. Anthony Seibold needs to address these comprehensive away losses.
Parramatta’s Shuffle for a Six
Parramatta have had several sixes in the opening few months of the year: Dylan Brown, Jaeman Salmon, Will Smith, and unbelievably enough, David Gower. Tonight, Brad Arthur gave Jaeman Salmon his five-eighth jersey back, and he proved worthy of holding onto it. Parramatta must keep a consistent six and seven if they want to achieve this year, and Salmon is the man to partner Moses.
Nathan Brown’s Meterage
Nathan Brown’s return has added some much needed mongrel to the Parramatta Eels’ forward pack. With 199 run metres during the game, he kept his side going forward and reminded fans why he’s so vital to their success.
Two Straight Losses for Brisbane
On the back of a comprehensive loss to the Titans, Brisbane lost another big one tonight. They’ve conceded a combined 64 points in two weeks. Defensive issues must be worked on if Brisbane wants to be a serious contender towards the back end of the year.
THE RESULT
Parramatta Eels: 38
Tries: Josh Hoffman (2), Junior Paulo, Maika Sivo, Michael Jennings, David Gower, Reed Mahoney
Goals: Mitchell Moses 5/7
Drop Goals: N/A
Brisbane Broncos: 10
Tries: Matt Gillett, Corey Oates
Goals: Jamayne Isaako 1/2
Drop Goals: N/A
SQUADS
Parramatta Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Josh Hoffman 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Jaeman Salmon 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Kane Evans 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Manu Ma’u 13. Nathan Brown. Interchange: 14. Ray Stone 15. Peni Terepo 16. David Gower 17. Marata Niukore.
Brisbane Broncos: 1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Anthony Milford 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. David Fifita 12. Matt Gillett 13. Tevita Pangai. Interchange: 14. Andrew McCullough 15. Jaydn Su’a 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Patty Carrigan.
