The Dyldam Parramatta Eels Holden Cup side has been defeated 46-16 by a powerful New Zealand Warriors side as the first game of a Round 10 triple header at Pirtek Stadium.
Coach Steven Hales made a few changes to the starting team with Tom Amone moving into the starting side and Brandon Raeli swapping to the bench, with Alec Bush dropping off the bench.
The Warriors began the game very strongly, with early tries to Valentino Patelesio and Matiu Love-Henry, showing their strike power on their left edge.
Tomasi Aoke added to the New Zealand tally after a freakish try from an unexpected bounce from a high ball, with winger Paul Ulberg scoring in the corner the next set.
Eels fullback Nathan Davis showed some incredible hands grounding the ball for a try right on the dead ball line, and despite the video referees and touch judges ruling it a try, the on-field refs overruled.
The following play the Warriors scored through their centre Junior Pauga, leaving the home side scoreless at halftime, trailing 26-0.
The Eels showed some grit at the start of the second half, with Suliasi Suli scoring a try in the corner on debut following a successful captain’s challenge.
From here on, it wasn’t the Eels day, with the Warriors storming home with second tries to Pauga, Ulberg and Aoake.
Brandon Raeli scored a try off a big personal effort, showing a late spark for the Eels, but the Warriors prevailed, scoring another try to Pauga a few minutes later.
Halfback Troy Dargan scored a final minute try, but the Warriors prevailed 46-16.
Warriors 46 (Pauga 3, Ulberg 2, Aoake 2, Patelesio, Love-Henry tries, Hingano 5 goals
def.
Eels 16 (Suli, Raeli, Dargan tries, Davis 2 goals)
