The Dyldam Parramatta Eels Holden Cup side have been defeated by the Penrith Panthers side 36-12 at Ringrose Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Panthers were the first on the board through Dylan Edwards and Nathan Cleary added the two to take his team 6-0 ahead after five minutes of play.
The Panthers carried on with their quick start when their second try came in the 15th minute with Soni Luke putting in a kick through for Luai who regathered and scored for a converted try.
Luke was in amongst the action again when he threw a short ball to Thomson Tuigamala who was in for the Panther’s third try of the game.
While the Eels had some opportunities to get on the board late in the opening half, the Panthers defence held out the Blue and Gold, taking an 18-0 lead into the break.
The Eels came out with a sense of urgency and direction to start the second half, and the Blue and Gold opened the scoring through a strong run from forward Josh Aloiai, before being converted, taking the score to 18-6.
However the immediate pressure was relieved when the Panthers hit straight back through Crichton. His try was also converted, putting the Panthers further in front 24-6.
The ball kept rolling for the Panthers when Luke scored his second try of the afternoon to go along with his two try assists.
After some good possession and maintaining pressure on the Panthers defensive line, the Eels were over for their second try through centre Tui Oloapu.
However the try was not enough to kick start the fightback with the Panthers crossing through Moses Leota before Cleary continued his perfect afternoon with the boot (6/6 goals) taking their score out to 36-12.
The Eels NYC will now face the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Saturday afternoon, kick off at 5:15pm.
