Despite being away from home against the best side from Round 1, the Eels have toppled St George by 34-16 thanks to a Semi Radradra four-try masterpiece as the Parramatta backline continues to look like one of the best in the competition.
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Final score
St George Illawarra Dragons 16
Parramatta Eels 34
The St George Illawarra Dragons play host to the Parramatta Eels with both sides looking to build on first round wins tonight when they clash in Wollongong. Catch all the live scores, highlights and action on The Roar from 6:30pm (AEDT).
The Dragons surprised most people last week with a blistering performance against the Panthers to kick off their 2017 campaign in style.
The 2010 champions put seven tries past a shaky Panthers outfit to notch up a big 42-10 victory, registering themselves as a competition dark horse early on in the season.
For the Eels, they had an equally impressive win without the blowout scoreline.
A tough task at Brookvale against Manly, Parramatta ground out a tight performance, dominating much of the second half to get home and take the win 20-12.
Parra take a four-game winning streak against the Dragons into this one as well, however, have not won a game in Wollongong since 2001.
This will be another key early test for both sides on their top-eight credentials this season in what is shaping up to be a tight race for the finals with plenty of sides improving from last year.
Team News
A fairly quiet week for these two sides in terms of team changes after big wins coming out of Round 1.
Parramatta have made just a single change to their line-up with David Gower coming into the 17 in place of Rory O’Brien.
While the Dragons have done absolutely nothing with their set up, and why would you after last weeks performance.
Prediction
The Dragons put in a stellar performance last week that caught many off-guard but it’s whether or not they can back it up is the big question. Can they become a real force in the competition this year?
Parramatta really pieced together well last week and their combinations with Corey Norman, Clint Gutherson and Bevan French are looking dangerous and can cause real headaches for the Dragons tonight, and even a win.
Parramatta to win by 8
Catch all the live scores, highlights and action on The Roar from 6:30pm (AEDT).
jamesb
Guest
Well, this is going to be a long season unfortunately. Round 1 was probably a mirage.
Connor Bennett
Editor
The Eels now move to top spot on the ladder as one of four teams to take two wins from two games to start the year. For the Dragons, it was the complete opposite of last week and they go from top spot at the end of Round 1 to sixth place.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Connor Bennett
Editor
FULLTIME The Eels complete a fairly dominant win over the Dragons as the final siren sounds and the ball runs into touch. Despite being away from home against the best side from Round 1, the Eels have topled St George by 34-16 thanks to a Semi Radradra four-try masterpiece as the Parramatta backline continues to look like one of the best in the competition. Seven tries to three in the end and the whole story was told within the opening 38 seconds of the game when Russell Packer knocked on off the kickoff and the visitors crossed the line two plays later. It was mistake after mistake for the Dragons who crumbled under pressure in front of their own line and they just couldn't click. They did have a few flashed of brilliance through and still have plenty to build on from the opening 2 round. Dragons - 16 Eels - 34
Connor Bennett
Editor
80' St George with one last chance at the line here as Brown and Widdop link up through the left flank but they can't find a way through. The Eels have the game wrapped up but they're still defending like it's the first set of the game. Dragons - 16 Eels - 34
Connor Bennett
Editor
79' Crossfield kick from the Dragons and Nightingale is open out on the left wing by himself... but Hoffman makes a superb desperation save, throwing the mitts up and just getting a fingertip to it to knock it over the side. Dragons - 16 Eels - 34
Connor Bennett
Editor
78' Loose ball from Parramatta and there's a real lack of urgency on this scrum. The result is a foregone conclusion and the Dragons look like they just want it to end. Dragons - 16 Eels - 34
Connor Bennett
Editor
77' Gutherson misses another one from out wide on the right wing. He shakes the noggin but he's had a strong game in the halves as the combo with Norman continues to evolve. Dragons - 16 Eels - 34
Connor Bennett
Editor
76' TRY EELS!!! Semi Radradra has four tries!! It was a simple case of the numbers advantage and quick hands across the line, something the Eels have utilised well tonight. The Dragons didn't have the support nor the pace to keep up with Bevan, Norman and Radradra who worked it out to the right. It was the Fijian who simply waltzed over the line untouched through the gap of two tiring defenders. Dragons - 16 Eels - 34
Connor Bennett
Editor
75' Beau Scott getting close to the line. He's had a relatively quiet game tonight but he's been plugging away like a workhorse as he always does. Dragons - 16 Eels - 30
Connor Bennett
Editor
74' Parramatta packing in again for the scrum, this time right on the cusp on try number seven. Dragons coach Paul McGregor is looking less than pleased up in the box. Dragons - 16 Eels - 30
Connor Bennett
Editor
73' Parramatta threatening down that left wing once again, the side that has reaped so many rewards today... and could you believe it the Dragons have knocked on AGAIN in front of their own line. Incredible. Dragons - 16 Eels - 30
Connor Bennett
Editor
71' Dragons on the attack once again inside the Eels half and you can see the sense of desperation, they know the clock is running out. McInnes has knocked on!! The hands are going up on the heads as the Eels pack in for the scrum. Dragons - 16 Eels - 30
Connor Bennett
Editor
70' TRY DRAGONS!!! What was that? That's an absolute gift for the Dragons and some pretty poor defending from the visitors. It was just a simple pass from dummy half to Paul Vaughan who went through under the posts completely untouched without a body in sight. Is there another twist in the tale? Dragons - 16 Eels - 30
Connor Bennett
Editor
69' And a third penalty in quick succession for the Dragons who have now gone end to end just on penalties. Sloppy stuff from Parra. Dragons - 10 Eels - 30
Connor Bennett
Editor
68' Widdop and McRone looking to make something happen down the right side as they spread it early in the tackle count but to no avail... but they do win yet another penalty. Big moments here as they find touch 20 metres out from the Eels line. Dragons - 10 Eels - 30
Connor Bennett
Editor
67' Dragons survive the onslaught this time but only just as they come out of it with a scrum feed... and now a penalty as well to give them a free ticket out of the danger zone. Big let off there. Dragons - 10 Eels - 30
Connor Bennett
Editor
66' Knock on again from the Dragons and again in terrible position!! Radradra was chasing through hard on the Norman kick, forcing the mistake from Macdonald who knocks on just a few metres in front of his own try line. Dragons - 10 Eels - 30
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Poor! That should have been a penalty. So much for the cracking down on slowing down the play the ball.
Connor Bennett
Editor
65' Wingers combine for the Eels!! Hoffman sprints back for the quick 20 metre restart and he finds Radradra who breaks through the line and up towards halfway before he's brought down. The Dragons are looking tired. Dragons - 10 Eels - 30