The scoreline blew out at the death but the Cowboys have passed arguably the biggest test of their premiership defence at home, beating the Eels by 14 points.
REPORT: COOTE STARS, COWBOYS WIN
The Eels though had their chances and threatened to pull off the win after scoring 16 unanswered points in the second half to lead by two at one stage.
A sin-bin to Norman however killed off their hopes of an upset as the Cowboys made the most of the one man advantage.
Final score
Cowboys 32
Eels 16
The Parramatta Eels‘ premiership credentials will be tested when they face reigning premiers the North Queensland Cowboys away from home. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm AEST.
Tonight’s clash against North Queensland will expose whether or not the Eels truly have what it takes to challenge for this year’s premiership.
For the first time in many moons, Parramatta are playing a structured and disciplined brand of football that has seen them register some good tough wins against Canterbury, North Queensland and Manly respectively.
Indeed their round 2 win over the Cowboys at home proved that the Eels have the competitive spirit required to test the best teams in the NRL. Away from home however, the Eels will need their best form and then some to upset the best side in the competition.
The Cowboys are close to unbeatable at home, and with Johnathon Thurston, Michael Morgan and Lachlan Coote in superb form, the Eels face their most daunting task of the year to date.
Quite simply, Parramatta has to play the percentages well to stand a chance of causing the upset. Halves Kieran Foran and Corey Norman are playing nicely and their composure on the ball tonight will dictate whether or not the Eels remain competitive well into the second half.
If the Cowboys end up dominating possession and territory, Thurston and company will make Parramatta pay on the scoreboard. Despite their marked improvement in defence, the Eels will be asking for trouble if they let a future immortal dictate terms yet again on his home patch.
While the possibility of an upset is there if the Eels roll up their sleeves tonight, the Cowboys still contain an important edge in attacking chemistry that should see them secure a tight win.
Cowboys by 8
steveng
Roar Rookie
Yeah, the Eels had to be reduced to 12 men (Norman sin bin) before the Cows got on top and beat them, real good show from the Cows. All you Cows fans give credit where its due and stop having so much animosity especially to the fact that the Eels will have points taken from them.
Tom G
Guest
I guess it is how the world must appear to you ... And Brad Arthur is a SuperCoach too champ. Just keep bathing in all that glory from 1986.
Tom G
Guest
I know.., I was actually agreeing with you
Crank Yanker
Guest
You're not wrong there buddy. The Eels crossed the s*@tline and now they're going to pay for fit.
NovaKay
Guest
The way of the road
Crank Yanker
Guest
Whacking day is coming boys. The winds of hurt are blowing. Parramatta are going to cop it soon.
Crank Yanker
Guest
Eels played well with their illegal team, but the Cowboys have true grit and you can't buy that. Nice work Cowboys, and bye bye Eels. It'll be a double whammy this weekend, a toweling by the Cowboys and a loss of premiership points. Way she goes bud, way she goes.
Roadkill
Guest
Well Parramatta can look forward to playing solely for pride from here on in. The Cowboys brutalized the Eels tonight. To be completely honest I expected much, much more from the Eels, who have been formed illegally. It's an indictment on a team when they fail to win despite being several hundred thousand dollars over the salary cap, have a great year Eels fans!
Crank Yanker
Guest
Which they will bud. Thanks for coming Eels. Won't seeyou again because you'll be barred from playing finals footy. Goodbye Parra.
Joel
Guest
Cows have been the worst penalised team in the comp in terms of for and against, this is only the second time in 8 rounds that they have won the penalty count ....????????? and in round 2 at your ground the penalty count was 4 - 9 in your favour? you and your Eels mates comments are far farcical ....
danwain
Guest
Completely agree, was outstanding all game.
Beergardener
Roar Pro
Some people are blind. As a (fairly) neutral follower, that was a clear foul
Cowboyfan
Guest
How so???? Souths have been or..din..ary!!!!
Cowboyfan
Guest
Towelled??? Nice one.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
I wasn't saying leave him out Tom, I was saying pick him at 6 and JT at 7.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Good game by both teams. The Corey Norman sin bin was the turning point. Radradra was awesome for the eels and the cowboys spine is the best in the competition. I think eels are a top 4 side if they don't lose points.
Parrafan
Guest
Must suck that a team that isn't that good towelled your boys up at home. Stop being so bitter Tom, it's bad for your health.
Parrafan
Guest
I have no idea how Coote doesn't get anything. 3 Try savers. I don't know why people aren't putting him origin contention because he deserves to be there over Dugan and Tedesco in a heart beat.
Tom G
Guest
Morgan is currently the form player of the NRL. I can't see how they'd justify leaving him out of any rep side
Tom G
Guest
As long as they get a couple of intercepts gifted them that is.. I seriously doubt that they will play again this season. Eels have the points deduction and not being all that good anyway to contend with