Parramatta coach Brad Arthur defiantly declared his side’s NRL season was not over despite a 42-12 thumping at the hands of Newcastle at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.
Needing wins in their final two games to guarantee a place in the top eight, the Eels led 12-8 at halftime but were blown away in the second half by the 14th placed Knights.
Newcastle took the lead in the 50th minute when five-eighth Jarrod Mullen went through some flimsy defence to run 20 metres to score.
It sparked a five-try blitz from the hosts in the space of 16 minutes as they added Parramatta to their list of recent victims at home which already included the Warriors, Melbourne and Sydney Roosters.
Winger Chanel Mata’utia grabbed a hat-trick, first scoring in the 53rd and 59th minutes before Beau Scott and Joey Leilua exposed woeful Eels defence in front of a crowd of 18,558.
Mata’utia then showed great agility in the 79th minute to bring down a bouncing ball just inside the deadball line to seal his treble.
The loss leaves Parramatta needing to beat Canberra on the road next Saturday and require other results to go their way if they are to make the finals.
Newcastle had the advantage of a strong breeze in the second half but Arthur said his side lacked intent throughout and paid the price.
The ninth-placed Eels will be 10th on 28 points after this weekend if the Warriors beat the Titans on Sunday.
The Broncos and the Cowboys, who host the Sharks on Monday night, are also on 28 points but Parramatta have the worst for-and-against of the group by a fair margin.
Arthur was confident they could bounce back in Canberra and give themselves a chance of making the play-offs.
“I don’t think I’m going to have to do much this week,” he said.
“The boys’ pride is hurting and they realise it was a lost opportunity.
“We don’t want to finish the season with a performance like that.
“Our season’s not over.”
Knights captain Kurt Gidley said it was enjoyable to watch everything go right for his side after a season of setbacks and distractions.
“We haven’t had too many of those days,” Gidley said.
“We’ve been on the other side of it a few times.
“I thought we were under the pump a bit in the first 20 minutes, they were coming at us hard and fast.
“But we were prepared to roll up our sleeves and work really hard into the wind.”
Parramatta forward Ben Smith was put on report in the 78th minute for a crusher tackle on Chanel Mata’utia.
Branko
Guest
Ricky's Raiders will be nailing down the coffin. We've finally cast aside our dreadful halves combination and the results are already starting to show. Three wins to finish the season and top eight beckoning next year. The Eels owe Ricky for their resurgence and he'll be showing them who's still the boss come Saturday evening.
Chop
Roar Guru
I agree Sandow won't win us a premiership but he's the best option we have right now. I hope we don't sign Watmough, I'm not sure I could stomach supporting him in my jumper and DCE is going to price himself out of the market I think. It's been a great year and it's exceeded my (albeit low) expectations. If you'd told me at the start of the season that Parra would still be in contention for the finals with 2 rounds go to I'd have been very happy. Now they've got so close, that display was such a big disappointment.
MAX
Guest
This match should be preserved as a tutorial in the art of passing in the backline. There are few greater joys in Rugby League than witnessing the chain of clean crisp passing. The Eels are here to stay and can only benefit from being at the coalface.
Manly Man
Guest
Good man parra fan, your season has been an exciting one. I thought parra wouldn't move from the bottom with your forwards but the young guys stepped up.and next year if hayne can stay fit the finals will easily be within reach. I'm happy for parra brad has done wonders there I just fear his time at manly might influence watmough or DCE to go (keep your mitts off our boys) to parramatta for a big pay day. Good luck next week. Ps sandow wont win u a premiership
Parrafan
Guest
Ah what can you say. Parramatta have beat Manly, Roosters, Panthers, Cowboys, Brisbane and Bulldogs at one point this season. That is six teams in the top eight. Compared to years gone by this has been a terrific season with some frighteningly good juniors coming through. Can't wait to get to GIO and give it to Ricky and his Raiders.
Scrubbit
Guest
Hope they do smash them (despite if that happens Brisbane would need to beat melbourne). Wouldn't do well for their confidence to get beaten by Sticky and the faulty green machine.
Andrew
Guest
Eels inconsistent but coming from woe for years to competing for a final spot is fantastic. Its a shame the knights put my boys to the sword but the knights took their opportunities, well done. Brad Arthur has worked miracles, I think his energy and talking (communication) at a level players understand is the key. Given the Eels are still young the next few years will only get better. Great round coming up next week.
Andrew
Guest
The eels have no chance making the finals. I turned off the TV with 10 minutes to go at fulltime. Better then the wooden spoon..eels!
Liatrevlis
Guest
Eels played "there " GF against Manly , there's nothing left but to smash Ricky's girls next week ,
The Barry
Guest
Eels were dreadful yesterday, they phoned that one in. I really expected them to dig deep in that one. Tepai Moeroa looks good that angled run for the try was a cracker. Can't believe he is only 18. Good season for the eels regardless of what happens next week.