The Parramatta Eels suffered a nail biting 13-10 defeat to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on the opening day of the NRL Nines in Perth, with a late bonus zone try to Bulldogs forward Corey Harawira-Naera securing the victory to the opposition.
In what was a tightly contested clash, the Eels put first points on the board with winger Blake Ferguson flew through the air for an impressive acrobatic try in the third minute of the clash.
An error from the Eels saw the Bulldogs strike back out wide through centre Morgan Harper. A converted try seeing the Bulldogs take a two point lead before Eels utility scored a 40m solo try to put the Blue & Gold back in front.
A step off his left, before slicing through the Bulldogs middle defence, Salmon sprinted away for a 10-6 lead heading into half time.
An opportunity was missed when some heavy defence on hooker Rhys Davies early in the second half saw the ball dislodged close to the line.
With limited opportunities, Ferguson looked dangerous down the right wing and had the Bulldogs pinned inside their own in goal.
The Bulldogs camped down the Eels end of the field for the back end of the second half, and after multiple sets on the Blue & Gold line, Harawira-Naera sliced his way over for a converted bonus try.
The Bulldogs claiming a 13-10 victory over the Eels, leaving the Blue & Gold with a must win clash against the Dragons tomorrow morning.
