The Eels left it late to down the Dragons 18-14 in an exciting NRLW trial match at Eric Tweedale Stadium on Friday night.
The new-look team's first match together was one to remember, as Nakia Davis-Welsh scored a late try to snatch the win in front of a strong, vocal crowd in Granville.
Zali Fay, Cassey Tohi-Hiku and Monique Donovan were also on the scoresheet, while the likes of Elsie Albert, Rachael Pearson, Shontelle Stowers and Mahalia Murphy wore the Blue & Gold for the first time.
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The early exchanges were an intense arm wrestle, before tries on either side of the 20-minute mark propelled Parramatta into a 10-0 lead.
Attacking the line, the Eels swung the ball left where Zali Fay stood up her opposite winger with an in-and-away to touch down in the corner for the opening try.
Rachael Pearson drew a round of applause from the home crowd as she nailed the ensuing conversion from the sideline.
Just over a minute into the second third, the Eels extended their lead through Cassey Tohi-Hiku's terrific long-range try.
The young outside back cleaned up a downtown Dragons kick, before busting the line and completing an 80-metre dash to the stripe.
By the end of the second stanza, the visitors managed to draw level with one try in the corner and another out of dummy half.
The Dragons set their sights on taking the lead, trapping the Eels inside their own half for an extended period in the final 20 minutes of play. But Parramatta kept their cool, and regained control courtesy of a superb individual play.
As the Dragons threatened to pounce, Eels winger Monique Donovan swooped on a pass and sped away 95 metres untouched to put Parramatta back in front.
The match seemed destined for a draw after the Dragons equalised once more with five minutes remaining, but the Eels had one last trick up their sleeve.
An awkward kick-off saw the Eels regain possession, and the hosts took full advantage.
Attacking the short side, Nakia Davis-Welsh dummied her way through the Dragons defence to crash over in the corner and hand the Eels a dramatic victory.
On the back of the win, the Eels will celebrate the year ahead with a 2023 NRLW season launch during Saturday's NRL match against the Warriors at CommBank Stadium.
The team will enjoy a weekend off before kicking off their 2023 campaign in a blockbuster Round 1 clash with NRLW newcomers Wests Tigers.
Tickets for the Eels' NRLW season-opener at CommBank Stadium are on sale now!
