A first half flurry has propelled the Parramatta Eels to a comprehensive 26-8 victory over the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.
The Eels scored four tries in the opening thirty minutes, which was enough to stave off a late charge from the Titans.
Dylan Brown got the scoring started with a swift show-and-go that split the Gold Coast defence and provided the space for the five-eighth to score his second try of the year.
The difficulty of withstanding the potent Parramatta attack was then increased when Kevin Proctor was sent to the sin-bin for a dangerous lifting tackle in the 21st minute.
Reed Mahoney was able to utilise the one-man advantage to extend the Eels’ lead, providing a crash ball for Shaun Lane to score before crossing for a try of his own in Parramatta’s next attacking set.
Look at the HUSTLE ?#NRLTitansEels #TelstraPremiership pic.twitter.com/NFgHPBkX8t
— NRL (@NRL) July 16, 2021
Ryan Matterson’s footwork was the catalyst for Mahoney’s try, with the second-rower beating two defenders before sending the ball through the hands of Nathan Brown and Clint Gutherson.
Gutherson then gave his side a 20-point halftime advantage with a deceptive chip kick to Haze Dunster, who cleaned up a tricky bouncing ball to score untouched.
The Parramatta onslaught continued after the break as Gutherson capitalised on a retreating defensive line to scurry out of dummy-half and pass to an unmarked Ryan Matterson.
The Titans’ first points of the evening eventually came via Brian Kelly, who latched onto a succulent cutout pass from Ash Taylor in the 61st minute.
A deflected grubber kick landed in the arms of David Fifita four minutes later, but the 18-point deficit was too much for Justin Holbrook’s men to overcome.
#NRLTitansEels Match Highlights ?https://t.co/xchxb4zoKq
— NRL (@NRL) July 16, 2021
With the loss, the Titans have squandered an opportunity to draw level with the eighth-placed Sharks and ninth-placed Knights, who will both have the opportunity to move two wins clear of the chasing pack.
Meanwhile, the Eels have jumped the Rabbitohs into third spot on the table but will likely revert back to fourth following South Sydney’s clash against Canterbury on Sunday afternoon.
Parramatta will advance to face the Raiders on Thursday night, while the Titans will enjoy an extended break before facing a depleted Dragons line-up next Sunday.
NRL News Player of the Game:
3 Points – Ryan Matterson
2 Points – Clint Gutherson
1 Point – Reed Mahoney