The NYC trial game vs Parramatta at Sportingbet Stadium was played in 4 x 25 minute quarters. Missing a number of regulars Trent Barrett used today’s game to blood a number of young players before finalising his squad in the coming weeks.
Our young Panthers started slowly and let Parramatta jump out to a 4 point lead in the 4th minute.
The Eels dominated possession in the opening 15mins and scored the 2nd try of the game in the 10th minute.
Strong running from Myles Taueli gave the Panthers some much needed go forward however the Eels cleaned up our only attacking movement of the first 20 minutes.
Some shaky goal line defence by the Panthers allowed the Eels to score their third try of the game through their second rower.
First Quarter: Parramatta 16-0
The second quarter of the game was closely contested. Jordan Stratton spilled the footy close to the Eels line after half an hour of play.
Joshua Jay put his body on the line whilst defending twenty metres out from our line. He hobbled off from the field and was concussed.
The Eels kept the ball alive in the 33rd minute of play and scrambled their way over the line to make it 22 points to nil to the visitors.
Soiofa Silipa converted some good lead up work by Akeripa Tia Kilifi and crossed for the Panthers first points of the game after 44 mins. Corey Harawira-Naera beautifully slotted the conversion from the sideline to close the gap to 16.
In a real body blow for the boys some poor defence around the middle of the field gifted the Eels another try just before the half time buzzer. The try was converted and the Eels regained their 22 point advantage, taking a 28-6 half time lead.
Half time – Parramatta 28-6
Trent Barrett changed his team to start the second half and Matt Boss got the Panthers a repeat set of 6 with a great grubber kick that the Eels number 1 could not handle.
Some bad luck for young Matt Boss as he hobbled off in the next set with an left arm injury.
The Eels pounced on a repeat set of six and scored out wide after a nicely placed bomb was put up by their half back. The try was converted and the lead was extended to 28.
After some back and forth play between the sides Jahnayah Freeman got the crowd to their feet after 64 minutes when he juggled a bomb and ran 60 metres down field.
Some solid defence by the Parramatta forwards forced the Panthers into a few errors in the third quarter. This led to Parramatta’s seventh try of the evening in the 68th minute.
Strong running from Wellington Albert gave us a quick play the ball that young dummy half Josh Tangitau. The conversion was easily converted by Jarrod Brackenhofer.
Third Quarter – Parramatta 40 – 12
The Eels continued to run the Panthers around in the final 25 minutes and they split the Panthers defence in the 82nd minute. From the following play they strolled over in the corner.
A couple of errors by the Eels late in the game gave the Panthers a few attacking opportunities however the Parramatta defence stood tall.
The Eels crossed for a late try in the 97th minute to make the score 50 - 12.
The Panthers will look to bounce back in their final trial next Sunday afternoon at Sportingbet Stadium
Full Time – Parramatta 50 - 12
