Eels have not slipped out of trouble yet.
August 19th 2008 09:38
Brut strength - the Eels continued their dominance over the Tigers
The Parramatta Eels are to the Wests Tigers what Roger Federer is to Lleyton Hewitt.
Neither have been able to find the form necessary to dispose of an opponent that has cast their respective minds into insecurity and doubt.
As Federer’s aura declines however, the Eels are beginning to grow, albeit a little prematurely.
On Monday night, they once again humbled the Tigers into submission.
In what turned out to be another lopsided affair between two teams eyeing a finals birth come September, the Tigers were never in the contest.
As the rain poured down on the 13,000 or so Eels faithful, the Tigers chances against Parramatta were washed away long before the conditions confirmed the fate of Tim Sheens’ men.
40 minutes into the contest and the Eels led 22-6 in a game that many thought would be the Tigers best chance in downing one of the most inconsistent sides in the NRL.
But if anything down Parramatta way has remained the same, it is their ability to constantly beat the Tigers.
Whether it be at home or away, the Eels seem to have the mental edge over a side that, on its day, can be the most enjoyable team to watch.
The Eels have always had a strong forward pack in comparison to the Tigers.
But yesterday, Sheens’ men had arguably their strongest set of forwards on the paddock with Ryan O’Hara, Bryce Gibbs, Diane Laurie, Ben Te’o and Bronson Harrison all involved in last nights encounter.
Not that it made a difference in the end.
The Eels, led well by Nathan Hindmarsh and Fui Fui Moi Moi, assumed all control against a Tigers outfit who had nothing go for them last night.
Everything Tigers playmakers Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah touched turned into dirt, despite a try right on half time to the Kiwi international.
The Eels however continue to have luck on their side.
They once again topped the penalty count, whilst also had the bounce of the ball in terrible conditions throughout the second half of footy.
In the end, the 40-12 scoreline gives an indication of the aura of dominance the Eels have over their western Sydney rivals.
Nevertheless, it has not guaranteed Parramatta a place in the top eight, nor has it changed the fact that this has been a below par year for Michael Hagan’s men.
In the beginning of 2008, the Eels were heavily favoured to cause the Melbourne Storm the most problems heading into the Grand Final of League’s centenary year.
Instead, we have witnessed one of the biggest capitulations of a side boosting some of the games most exciting players.
If a team contains rep calibre players such as Hindmarsh, Nathan Cayless, Krisnan Inu, Jaryd Hayne, Moi Moi, Brett Finch, Daniel Wagon and Feleti Mateo, fans and critics alike expect a high performance week in, week out.
Too often though have we seen the Eels string two wins together than fall off track.
With three weeks remaining in the Telstra Premiership, Parramatta are still up against it.
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