Just as we expected, the Parramatta Eels and Canterbury Bulldogs went to war in an old fashioned slugfest at ANZ Stadium, with the Bulldogs desperately holding on for a gallant 20-16 victory.
While the Eels toiled and scrambled and hung tough, they just could not quite get over the line. Something was missing in the clutch. Parramatta lacked the killer punch to steal the points from their fierce rivals.
Coach Ricky Stuart has already instilled a competitiveness, it was on show for all to see, but when they needed him most, superstar fullback Jarryd Hayne went missing.
Much like his coach in his playing days, Chris Sandow played like a man possessed.
The Eels’ line speed was exceptional, the forwards kept taking the ball over the advantage line and the backs helped out wherever they could. But where was Hayne?
Time and time again Hayne was caught out of position by the Bulldogs halves kicking game. When he finally did reach the ball, he sauntered back and continually hurt his tiring forwards. After all the hard work the Eels had done defensively, Hayne let them down.
He may have led his side to a grand final appearance in 2009 and many other victories since and there have been plenty of occasions where the Eels have let Hayne down.
Tonight he was the passenger.
Parramatta had every chance to win a gruelling encounter heading to the break only four points behind. But a scoreless second half would have coach Stuart wondering what happened to their execution throughout the second stanza.
Sandow was at his scheming best and constantly challenged the Canterbury line. Other than Sandow, the Eels struggled for structure and direction when the little halfback was out of the play.
When Hayne was called upon for something, for anything, there was nothing. And it wasn’t like the Bulldogs targeted the fullback for extra attention either. He simply refused to inject himself into the match.
Nonetheless, Stuart was happy with his team’s performance.
“It was a tough game of footy for round two,” Stuart said at the post match press conference.
“I’m a proud coach of a footy team. Everything I’ve asked for the boys are delivering.
“Some of our front rowers were tired but doing the extra efforts. Chris Sandow was outstanding.
“I’m prouder now than after last week’s big win.
“We’ve still got a lot of work to do, don’t get me wrong. But I’m a proud coach. ”
Parramatta can take plenty of positives out of this kind of contest. Despite the loss, the Eels were back in a big match in primetime.
The Bulldogs might have been weakened by injury, but the Eels were still in the grind and they almost did it without their fullback.
“I was impressed with the way the boys grinded it out in the middle,” Hayne said.
“That’s what the best teams do.”
The best teams also have brilliant finishers with high work rates. If Hayne wants his fat new contract, he has to work a little harder than he did Thursday night.
Curtis Woodward
Expert
Think thats why Stuart has been so good at representative level. I know he has only won one series at Origin and lost the World Cup, but he is definetely a good motivator.
Pot Stirrer
Guest
I remember reading hayne wants to break the 10 sec for a hundred mtrs. He would struggle to break 12 sec at present. I didnt see the knock he got but he looks like hes lost his speed and agility to me and im not just basing that on this game. I hope he gets it back.
Damn Straight
Roar Rookie
That he is. I actually bagged Haynes performance last night, because I only caught the second half where at times he looked listless and disinterested. After watching the whole game again tonight, I have to agree with your assessment there B.A. Definitely one of the pitfalls of having freakish talent in this day and age...people expect the freakish talent to be switched on at all times. Being human won't be tolerated.
Damn Straight
Roar Rookie
As per normal...it beggars belief that Roberts is getting paid $200k a year to consistently put on shambolic, cringeworthy displays. For every little line break he makes, 2-3 penalties and /or forward passes, crucial missed tackles or dropped balls will ensue. You could see Ricky fuming, but repressing it nicely. Des Hasler knows a good thing when sees it. As soon as he came to the bulldogs, Roberts was always going to be shown the exit. That was another Steve Kearney masterstroke...signing Ben Roberts. Really hope Ricky gives him a gentle nudge out of Parramatta asap.
bronco
Guest
Ricky stuart always gets his teams to play well early cause of his enthusiasum but after the first year you actually have to be a good coach which he is not all of his teams peak in the first year and then decline rapidly
Tony Archers Maroon Underwear
Guest
BA Sports is right here.
Tony Archers Maroon Underwear
Guest
Thanks for posting G, nice blast from the past, the Tahu try is a freakish piece of RL!! I think thats the game where afterwards Hasler was so angry he ripped a door of its hinges in the away rooms at Parra stadium! Personally I thought they were good calls :) straight from the TA call book
Worlds Biggest
Guest
I'm surprised the Eels didn't target young Lowe ( fullback ) all night, why night put up some high kicks with Blair chasing through ?
Curtis Woodward
Expert
I remember that now!
Curtis Woodward
Expert
Lokomotion is a freaky looking thing isn't he?! Can definitely play though.
oikee
Guest
Parramatta are a young team. I think they did rather well. Look, they score a try, convert, and we are all talking about Parramatta today. ? no The only mistake they made, maybe not kicking a high ball to the big wingers in the last 5-7 minutes. One catch and score, boom. Give them 12 months and they will be brilliant. I am impressed with this team. The Dogs will be final bound, with 3-4 players to return. Parra will get better and better. Next year will be their year. They will still upset plenty of sides, i just dont think they have enough experience just yet. But i like them, those outside backs are awesome. Loko is nice, really tough.
Geronimo
Guest
Yes amazing second half comeback but more to do with the Hayne that is not a parra player..Remarkably the ref Hayne survived but the tochie got dropped......
Curtis Woodward
Expert
Almost as forward as this pass.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DhltSqNdiA
Curtis Woodward
Expert
Did Parra win that game?
Curtis Woodward
Expert
If Hayne was that messed up, he should have put his hand up or moved to the wing and let someone else have a crack.
Geronimo
Guest
I thought Hayne was the star last night but a different one - Ennis was mouthing off at his decisions all second half but the Eels got most of the decisions in the second half. But Hasler must have had deja vu at 67min when the plane Hayne threw a forward pass for the winger to score but amazingly Hayne called it back for forward. It wasnt as forward as this one at 8mins40 in the youtube clip below when Hayne managed to get the Eels up against Manly in the second half at Parra in 2010 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3HuL9W3A3o
Worlds Biggest
Guest
The Eels had so much ball in the second half but couldn't execute despite the best efforts of Sandow who looked the 2011 version. Poalo at 6 looked solid and will only get better of Sticky persists with him. They really needed Hayne in the last 20 to step up so perhaps the head knock was the real factor. The Eels are a young side and will be interesting to watch this year. The Dogs weren't that convincing but defended well in the second half, not much if anything in attack. They looked disjointed minus some troops. They will be happy to get a win before the Grand Final replay.
Andy
Guest
Hayne's cut out pass proved to be a deciding factor in the second half, the one that went forward.
Curtis Woodward
Expert
Parroting Gould? Too bad I was at the ground and didn't hear the commentary.
Curtis Woodward
Expert
Old Benny Roberts should have been playing Super League four years ago.