The Parramatta Eels produced glimpses of quality in their Holden Cup trial loss against the Penrith Panthers despite some atrocious conditions at Centrebet Stadium.
After both teams traded tries in the opening couple of minutes the Panthers made the most of a glut of possession, controlled the ball better in the wet and kicked out to a 28-6 lead at halftime.
The Eels looked sharper in the second period and fought their way back into the contest thanks to two tries to blockbusting centre John Folau, the younger brother of former international, Israel. Penrith then closed out the match 38-14 with a couple of late four-pointers.
It's the final tune up for the NYC team before they meet the New Zealand Warriors on March 9 at Parramatta Stadium.
After both teams traded tries in the opening couple of minutes the Panthers made the most of a glut of possession, controlled the ball better in the wet and kicked out to a 28-6 lead at halftime.
The Eels looked sharper in the second period and fought their way back into the contest thanks to two tries to blockbusting centre John Folau, the younger brother of former international, Israel. Penrith then closed out the match 38-14 with a couple of late four-pointers.
It's the final tune up for the NYC team before they meet the New Zealand Warriors on March 9 at Parramatta Stadium.
