[VIDEO] Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels: NRL highlights, scores, blog

MATCH RESULT:

A 22-point effort from the Eels in the second half resulted in the visitors getting two very important competition points this afternoon.

The Eels were too strong for a brave Sharks side today. The platform for the win was set up by the Parramatta forwards but strong performances from Hayne, Sandow, and Norman saw them rack up plenty of points.

The fullback racked up 280 metres in attack, and notched a double. Also getting a double was Faraimo who was on debut.

The Sharks would be encouraged by the performance of their own debutant in Valentine Holmes who played a key role in both their tries, but will be frustrated that they didn’t seize the momentum when they had the Eels on the ropes in the first half .

FINAL SCORE:
Eels 32
Sharks 12

MATCH PREVIEW:

The Cronulla Sharks and Parramatta Eels managed crucial wins on the road last start, and both will be desperate to back up those results. Join The Roar from 3:00pm AEST today for live coverage of this Round 21 fixture.

Rugby league returns to the Sutherland Shire today where the Cronulla Sharks are looking to build on an encouraging win over the Penrith Panthers.

The Sharks got the points in what was at times an uninspiring performance in Bathurst, but face a tougher task against the Eels.

It’s hard to know what to make of Parramatta’s win over the Titans. The Titans home form is atrocious in 2014, and the Eels heavily relied on Jarryd Hayne who carried them home in what was a tight affair.

A win is a win however you do it, and at this stage of the season they all count, but if they’re going to challenge for a position in the finals then they need to get on a roll starting today.

The Sharks need to start winning matches by large margins if they are to avoid the wooden spoon at this stage a negative differential puts them well behind the Raiders who are also vying for league’s most unwanted title.

James Shepherd has got his charges playing confident footy, and will be hoping they produce the goods against the Eels.

The rookie coach has only had to make one forced change from the side that defeated the Panthers.

Backrower Matt Prior is out through suspension, which allows Anthony Tupou and Tupou Sopoaga to come onto an extended bench.

Brad Arthur too has made limited changes with Peni Terepo starting in the second-row at the expense of Kenny Edwards who drops out of the side.

One of the most intriguing battles of this match will be Andrew Fifita against Tim Mannah. Both men have played representative football, and love testing themselves against the best.

Fifita was almost unstoppable against the Panthers, racking up metres, tackles, busts, offloads and even an assist as if they were frequent flyer points.

The effort must have taken a toll on his body, he is after all, still recovering from a horror run with injury this season, and if he can produce similar numbers this week then the Sharks will be in the field position to challenge the Eels.

While fan’s attention will be on the forward battle, and of course Hayne, the real battle will be between the halves.

As good as Fifita was against the Panthers, Robson really played the crucial role. His kicking game was spot on, and his tackle to stop a rampaging Idris from close range swung the match in his side’s favour.

His opposite, Chris Sandow, has been steadily improving this season and is playing with a certain amount of freedom, he too will play a key role in this match.

Prediction:
The Eels know they need to win to stay in contention for a top eight spot. Sitting in 12th position would be intolerable for such a proud club – although anything is better than two consecutive wooden spoons.

The Sharks too are acutely aware of their position on the ladder and have the advantage of playing in friendly territory, and also the desire to avenge their previous loss to the Eels this season.

Results between these two sides have been evenly split in recent times, but if the Eels bring their A-game they should have enough firepower to get the job done.