Parramatta have finally ended their two-year away drought with a gripping 25-18 NRL victory over Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
Chris Sandow and Jarryd Hayne led the resurgent Eels home in a quality second-half where the lead changed four times before Sandow sealed the result with a 40m field goal.
It had been 21 matches since Parramatta – wooden-spooners in the past two seasons – enjoyed their last success on the road, also against Brisbane way back in 2012.
But they showed the poise and professionalism that has been lacking by twice reigning in the Broncos.
It was hooker Nathan Peats who snuck past Ben Barba – in another indifferent display at fullback – from dummy-half with 11 minutes left to take control after a controversial cross-kick try to the home side.
Parramatta’s win sees them draw level with joint leaders Brisbane on a congested table while the Broncos could be most pleased with the return of co-captain Justin Hodges from his achilles injury.
After more than seven months out of the game, Hodges immediately showed how important he is to Brisbane.
Benched for kick-off, he was forced to watch his side waste the lion’s share of possession for the first 20 minutes.
The frustrations continued when he entered the fray as Barba ignored an unmarked Daniel Vidot on the left wing and instead kicked dead.
Minutes later Corey Norman, Kenny Edwards and Sandow combined for Will Hopoate to open the scoring.
Then big Semi Radrada handled twice and swatted away Barba in a scintillating 85m try for his eighth four-pointer of the season and a 10-0 lead.
But Hodges single-handedly gave the Broncos a much-needed injection 35 seconds before halftime with a signature dummy-half run.
He created something from nothing by fending off both markers – Radradra and Mitch Allgood and also evaded two more defenders before sending Dale Copley down the sideline to score.
A 10-6 deficit flattered the home side but the late try turned the momentum and Ben Hunt continued Brisbane’s resurgence with a solo 40m try – dummying his way to the line.
The lead changed again when Hayne made Josh Hoffman pay for a bad defensive read off a scrum but the Eels failed to hold it for long as the video referee awarded the contentious try to Josh McGuire.
Unhappy Broncos coach Anthony Griffin labelled it his team’s “worst performance” of the season.
“They started very well in the first half and we were very poor,” Griffin said.
“We were 60 per cent with the ball and not much intent defensively.
“Defensively we weren’t there at all. Tonight we let ourselves down.
“We were off where we needed to be, no disrespect to Parramatta, but it was our worst performance of the year.
“We just shot ourselves in the foot.”
Parramatta counterpart Brad Arthur, who was also in control as Eels stand-in coach in their previous away win, played down his happy knack of overseeing upsets at Suncorp.
“I enjoy winning whether it’s here or anywhere,” Arthur said.
“It’s a great win but we’ve got plenty to improve and we need to keep working hard and stay focussed on the job ahead.”
He paid credit to the efforts of Hayne and Sandow, as well as former Bronco Norman in his return to Brisbane.
But Arthur was most buoyed by the improvement his side’s defence, which leaked 56 points in round two against the Roosters.
“The effort and the belief, we’re starting to build and the attitude to our d
Brad.H
Guest
Born in '60 , Parra fan since '65 (the year of enlightenment) , also I reckon Hodges is one of if not THE best and most exciting centers to ever have played the game , huge fan of his and the passion he brings to the game and it was obvious to any who watched that he and Sandow were having a gag , sure Hodges was pissed off and he had a right to be BUT he is not and never will be a grub . We all know that's Michael Ennis' job ....relax folks , that's a gag too :-)
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
He is Brisbane's best fullback as well as best centre. He is great out wide but at the back he is even more devestating.
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
Ben Creagh, you mean big softie? He might drop the ball before he even gets to Hodges
Dallas
Guest
Hodges is a champion, he has had so many injuries and setbacks but still manages to get himself back to the top every time. He is easily the busiest centre in the game, no team relys on a centre as much as the broncs do with hodges. He is just a competitor and a mongrel which is what makes him such a good player. Every one gets frustrated from time to time
Thugby Fan
Guest
There was one grub act which Justin Hodges got away with in last nights game with Parramatta. In the 52nd minute, Hodges was tacked and lashed out with his boots and studs, not once but TWICE. The second time he was looking at the Eels player (who had let go of Hodge's legs and was trying to roll away) yet Hodges still lashed out. And what did the multitude of refs do? Nothing! What will the NRL and the review committee do? Nothing! Why? Because the Broncos will scream if he gets cited. As for the Sandow incident with Hodges, one can accept he was messing as per the Broncos line on their site, so why make a deal over it? Yes, Hodges is a pretty good player even if he overplays the tough guy, but its these little grub acts that he gets away with that really annoys fans, both with Hodges and the NRL.
stillmatic1
Guest
I guess you weren't at the game then!? they were mucking around together after this "incident" occurred, but feel free to be outraged based on the one brief camera shot.............
Brett
Guest
At first I thought he brushed off Sandow, but today the Broncos explained it on their site. Apparently they are good mates and he was messing around, and the cameras didn't show them shake hands moments later.
TGGOA
Guest
I saw that, he was obviously frustrated with his teams performance, tried his guts out all game with very little creativity from his team mates, but he brushed Chrissy didn't he, not a good look. As for the grub comments, that's just the way he plays sometimes, intimidates the opposition, he was a lot worse during his Roosters days until Casey McGuire landed one on his chin, so until someone pulls him up or the refs penalise him, nothings gonna change.
Renegade
Guest
LOL I actually laughed out loud reading that ;)
Renegade
Guest
Really bad sportsmanship when he shunned Sandow last night.... plus he was a grub during the game as well.
TGGOA
Guest
Ben Creagh will sort him out.
Stan Jurd
Guest
I think they are referring to Hodges refusing to shake hands with Sandow after he (Sandow) repeatedly offered to. Pretty immature, pathetic behaviour by Hodges, if this is true (I have not seen it, but I have read a lot about it today).
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
What are you on about?
Renegade
Roar Guru
How big a grub is Justin Hodges?!? The word 'grub' gets thrown around a lot in rugby league these days but Hodges actions last night were the perfect description for th term. And this guy is the co-captain of the club..... Broncos are going nowhere with this bloke leading the way. Poor form and absolute disgrace.... SMH.
Maroon Blood
Guest
Where are all the people now that supported the decision to make Hodges co-Captain? Disgraceful behaviour fron ANY player but completely unacceptable from the teams Captain. Remains to be seen if coach Griffin has the kahunas to strip Hodges of the Captaincy. You can bet your bottom dollar you would never see such petulant behaviour from Corey Parker.
The Kooms
Guest
Great win by Parra. Radradra, now he is definately something.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
Eels win. Gods be good, we might be finals bound.
E-Meter
Guest
That was a top win, in a good match, despite regular turnovers from both sides. Well played Parra, really enjoyed the ball movement at any part of the field. It sure beats the predictable rubbish that most sides dish up. It also should be noted that Hodges is a bad sport and should be censured over his behaviour. It's a bad look for the game and sport in general.
up in the north
Guest
Good game. It's great to watch players perform well after long breaks, Hodges & Sandow.
Steve b
Guest
Just love beating the Broncos !