The Dyldam Parramatta Eels are through to the final of the Downer NRL Auckland Nines after a thrilling 17-8 victory over the Melbourne Storm.
Both sides showed their intent with some tough defence and big tackles, including a massive try-saver from Ryan Morgan on Tohu Harris.
Bevan French opened the account for the Eels, again showed his ball-handling skills by grounding a kick from Vai Toutai just centimetres inside the dead ball line.
The Storm equalised with a 50-metre run from Richard Kennar who sidestepped through the Eels line.
Melbourne took the early lead in the start of the second half, with Tohu Harris not going to be denied a second time, splitting David Gower and Semi Radradra.
French added his seventh try for the tournament, making a big line break and earning the extra point through the bonus zone.
Corey Norman nailed the conversion, putting the Eels up 11-8.
The Eels weren’t finished, and another slick play moving the ball to the left saw Radradra score a try, with Norman again adding the extras.
Parramatta will take on the Warriors in the final at 6.40pm NZDT, which is 4.40pm AEDT.
