The Dyldam Parramatta Eels have fought back from a four point deficit at half time, to come away with a 28-16 victory over the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium.
Eels winger Semi Radradra continued his try scoring spree, scored two tries in the Eels second half fight back, along with a skilful catch and pass effort to put halfback Chris Sandow over the line.
Radradra completed his fifth double in five consecutive matches, breaking a 60 year old record for a player to notch two or more tries in five games in a row to go along with his 13 runs for 112m, 1 offload and two line breaks in his Man of the Match performance.
Radradra was happy to get the two points last night, but praised his fellow teammates after the win.
“It was good to get the win and score a couple of tries,” Radradra said.
“I had help from the big boys and I was just there to finish the try but it was all from the boys in the middle.”
“I think this is the best I have been playing, definitely in the last year. I have been lucky to score a couple of tries every week but I am really happy,” Radradra added.
“I didn’t even know about the record but I feel happy when they said I broke it.”
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The Eels entered the half time sheds trailing by four points, and Radradra said Brad Arthur demanded to see a change in attitude from his side and an improved defensive effort.
“My first half was quiet. We came out in that second half, and Brad made sure we were good in defence and return to the way we have been playing,” Radradra said.
“Brad wanted more defence, get into the grind, three men in the tackle and slow the play the ball down.”
Whilst Radradra crossed for two tries, the winger was also pleased to see skipper Tim Mannah cross for his first try since Round 26, 2012.
“It was good [to see Tim Mannah score that try]. He is happy and it’s good for him to score that try, having not scored one in a long time!” Arthur said.
Hear from Brad Arthur and Tim Mannah after the game
Radradra also earnt the praise from Eels Head Coach Brad Arthur and skipper Tim Mannah after the game.
“Semi has been really good for us scoring tries, but we have been working hard with him on little bits and pieces in the game that he needs to do,” Arthur said of Radradra.
“He takes some good carries out of yardage, defensively he has been pretty good but tonight in the first half he wasn’t great, but to his credit he aimed up better in the second half.”
“He has been rock solid in all aspects of the game, not just his try scoring ability but his dirty work and a lot of the stuff that not too many people take notice of; his carries out of our red zone, his defensive efforts, and his all round energy.” Mannah added.
“He has been talking a lot more before games as well, which has been rare, but he has been doing that a lot the past few weeks so he is starting to grow as a player and a person.”
