The Eels suffered a 46-16 loss to Melbourne Storm at Marvel Stadium on Friday.
The Eels started strongly, with Sean Russell scoring a stunning try to kick off proceedings.
A quick exchange of hands gave Russell a sight of the try line, but he still had plenty of work to do. The winger did well to get on the outside of the defence, and even better to plant the ball down in the corner with little room to move.
Outrageous from Sean Russell!
Russell came close to replicating his extraordinary effort for another try, but the Storm just managed to close him down.
The Eels were well on top, before the Storm surged their way to three consecutive tries.
Harry Grant scored the first two, weaving his way over from dummy half in the 11th minute before charging over in the 22nd minute. Jahrome Hughes scored the third, slicing through with Clint Gutherson caught up in the defensive line.
Melbourne threatened to run away with it, but the Eels showed great resolve to muscle their way back into the contest.
On a rare Eels attack, Ryan Matterson threw a glorious no-look pass to J’maine Hopgood for the lock to crash over the try line. Mitchell Moses’ conversion closed the gap to eight points.
No-look for Hopgood
The Storm had the final say of the first half however, with Eli Katoa scoring the Storm’s fourth try for a 24-10 lead at the break.
Melbourne’s momentum carried over to the second stanza, as an inside ball by Hughes put Josh King over for four points.
The Eels had opportunities to hit back, but the Storm’s defence refused to relent.
The hosts were clinical down the other end, and put the result beyond doubt in the 60th minute when Marion Seve slid over after a line break.
Luca Moretti posted a rare highlight as he scored his first NRL try, steaming onto Mitchell Moses' face ball close to the try line.
It was mere consolation however, as Melbourne coasted to victory with late tries by Cameron Munster and William Warbrick capping off their night.
