King Richards reigns supreme as Tigers down Eels

The Tigers secured their third win of the season after a 10-minute blitz saw them surge past the Parramatta Eels on a rainy day in Sydney.

The heavens opened for 40 minutes pre-game, which meant slippery conditions for the players.

What had been predicted as a high scoring, free-flowing game of rugby league turned into an arm-wrestle in the early stages. With both teams battling to hold onto the ball neither side gained much advantage.

It wasn't until the 30th minute that first points were posted. It was Nathan Peats who dove over from dummy half on the back of a penalty against Aaron Woods and an avalanche of possession to the Eels. Chris Sandow added the extras.

Late in the half Tigers fans had their hearts in their mouths as star hooker Robbie Farah was taken from the field after a heavy head knock.

Thankfully, Farah passed the concussion test and Tigers fans could breath a collective sigh of relief.

Tigers got their first points on the stroke of halftime through flying winger Kevin Naiqama. After a slick backline movement from the Tigers, the Fijian managed to get the ball down in the corner despite the attention of several Parramatta defenders.

Pat Richards conversion was unsuccessful, the Eels led 6-4 at halftime.

The second half began with news that Eels fans didn't want to hear - Ryan Morgan had been ruled out for the rest of the match with concussion.

Both sides came out of the sheds with a conservative mind frame with neither side willing to test their arm. The game turned into a mind-numbing battle of "who could complete the most sets". Those who came to the game to see a point scoring frenzy could have been forgiven for nodding off midway through the second half.

It wasn't until the 70th minute when the game came alive.

After a bullet like cut-out pass from James Tedesco, Pat Richards tip-toed up the sideline before kicking the ball back infield to find a leaping Tedesco who caught the ball and planted it down just inside the sideline to score a miraculous try for the Tigers - a strong contender for try of the season! Richards converted from the sideline to give the Tigers a 4-point lead.

All the momentum was with the Tigers as the Eels struggled to complete sets and began to slip off tackles.

In the 77th minute, in his 100th NRL game, Pat Richards crossed in the corner after some great lead-up work from Tigers center Tim Simona. In the process of scoring the try, Richards was hit-high by William Hopoate and the video referee awarded an 8-point try. Richards successfully slotting both kicks and gave the Tigers an 18-6 lead.

The Tigers then went 100m in the set directly off the kick-off as Luke Brooks iced the game on the back of yet another piece of Pat Richards's brilliance.

Those who came to see attacking expertise had to wait 70 minutes but were rightfully rewarded for their patience with the Tigers putting on a 10-minute blitz, leaving the Eels to ponder where they stand in the 2015 season.

Next week the Tigers travel across the Tasman to take on the unpredictable New Zealand Warriors, while the Eels will look to bounce back against the Titans in front of their home crowd at Pirtek Stadium.

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Pat Richards
2 points - James Tedesco
1 point - William Hopoate

PARRAMATTA EELS (6)
Tries: Nathan Peats
Conversions: Chris Sandow (1/1)

WESTS TIGERS (22)
Tries: Kevin Naiqama, Pat Richards, James Tedesco, Luke Brooks
Conversions: Pat Richards (3/5)
Penalty Goals: Pat Richards (1/1)

Hello, and welcome to the first game of Easter Monday Rugby League. I hope you all had a relaxing Easter break, capped off with a mouthwatering triple-treat of rugby league this afternoon. First up this afternoon the Parramatta Eels host the West Tigers at ANZ Stadium. The Eels are coming off the upset of the season after knocking off Premiership favorites South Sydney last week. While the Tigers are coming off a golden point loss to the Bulldogs - expect a close one here today! Play is due to get underway at 3pm.

Breaking news: James Graham and David Klemmer have both been charged with contrary conduct and are facing 4 and 3 weeks suspensions, respectively, following Fridays controversial game.

The umbrellas are out at ANZ Stadium as the rain continues to fall.

Late mail - Tigers remain unchanged from the team named on Tuesday. They receive a huge boost welcoming back Pat Richards, Aaron Woods and Dene Halatau who all missed last week's loss against the Bulldogs.

For the Eels, Reece Robinson is a late withdrawal with a calf strain. Manu Ma'u moves onto the wing with David Gower moving from the bench to the second row. Peni Terepo will fill the empty bench spot. Kick-off is only moments away!

1: Pat Richards gets us underway! The Eels will have the first use of the footy, as the rain clears.

2: Conservative set to start from the Eels, early kick on the 4th tackle from Sandow.

2: Tigers finish their first set with a midfield bomb from Brooks. Difused by the Eels as they work it away from their 20m line.

3: Another early kick from Sandow. Looks to be a game of field position early.

4: Great kick from Farah forces the Eels into the corner, but the pressure is relieved with a penalty for offside.

5: Another penalty for a strip against the Tigers puts the Eels right on the attack.

5: The attacking raid comes to and uneventful end with a knock-on from the Eels

6: Now, on the back of two penalties of their own, the Tigers work inside the Eels 20m zone.

6: A stray pass from Brooks halts the attack - for the moment anyway.

8: Will Hopoate cleans up the grubber from Moses right on his own try line. Eels ball.

9: Tigers winning the early field position battler early - as they go inside the Eels 30m line again

10: An attacking kick from the Tigers is caught by Eels winners Faraimo and he runs 50m down field to put the Eels on the attack.

12: The attacking raid comes to a disappointing end after Sandow's grubber kick is scooped up by Tedesco.

12: Tigers continue to make easy ground down the left.

13: Another completed set from the Eels with a good kick from Sandow capping it off. Tigers pinned in their own 10m zone.

14: A bit of second phase play from the Tigers in that set as they try to go through the middle of the Eels, but the Eels defence holds strong.

15: Tigers with a 7 tackle set here as Corey Norman kicks the ball dead on the last tackle for the Eels.

16: UNFORCED ERROR WESTS TIGERS
Mitchell Moses makes an unforced error.
The attacking play of the Tigers comes to a end with a forward pass from the number 6.

17: The error is compounded, with a penalty blown to the Eels. Eels deep on the attack.

17: Rain beginning to fall again at ANZ.

18: Solid set from the Eels finished off with a pin-point kick from Corey Norman, however Eels got the last touch and Tigers get a 20m restart.

20: UNFORCED ERROR WESTS TIGERS
Mitchell Moses makes an unforced error.
Another mistake from the Tigers youngster as he knocks the ball on in his attempt to play the ball.

20: Eels with a scrum feed just inside their own half.

21: Penalty awarded to the Eels against Jack Buchanan for a lifting tackle. Eels on the attack.

21: Moeroa is proving a handful for the Tigers defence with his straight lining running.

22: UNFORCED ERROR PARRAMATTA EELS
Ryan Morgan makes an unforced error.
The centre drops the ball in a sloppy attacking raid from the Eels.

23: Not many would have predicted a scoreless first 20 minutes with these two teams both noted for their attacking flair.

23: Eels working the ball out of their own end through Darcy Lussick

24: UNFORCED ERROR PARRAMATTA EELS
Danny Wicks makes an unforced error.
Wicks fresh on the field drops the ball with his first touch. Looks to be greasy conditions with the rain falling.

25: Intercept for John Folau seems him run 30m downfield and put Parramatta back on the attack.

25: Faraimo pulled up 1m short of the try line in a great tackle.

26: Great kick from Norman once again results in another line drop out. Eels with the momentum.

26: Moeroa with another barnstorming run!

27: Eels surging to the line, only 5m out. Last tackle.

28: Eels run it on the last. They created the over lap aswell, but the last pass doesn't go to hand. Try bombed!

29: Little chip over the top from Farah but the ball is cleaned up by the Eels

29: Aaron Woods penalised for a high tackle puts the Eels on the attack again. Can they get points this time?

30: TRY PARRAMATTA EELS
Scored by Nathan Peats. Kick to come.
The little hooker dives over from dummy half to score his first try of the season.

32: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION PARRAMATTA EELS
Conversion attempt by Chris Sandow successful.
The halfback guides it straight down the middle of the posts!

32: UNFORCED ERROR PARRAMATTA EELS
William Hopoate makes an unforced error.
Dropped ball straight off the kick-off puts the Tigers on the attack.

33: The Tigers finally with some field position results in a repeat set after they force a line drop out on the last tackle.

34: Robbie Farah has gone from the field to undertake a concussion test after a head knock. Unsure if he will return.

34: Tigers not afraid to throw the ball away on the attack

35: Last tackle option from the Tigers wasn't the greatest as Sandow picks the ball up one handed and races 40m down field.

36: On the back of the Sandow run, the Eels, through a well weighted kick from Corey Norman, force a line drop out.

37: Big set in defence here for the Tigers. Can they hold on until halftime?

37: Eels get a penalty right in front of the posts only 5m out for a knee in the play the ball. They turn down the 2 points and take the tap.

38: Hopoate crashes over in the corner, referee indicates a TRY but has gone to the video ref for confirmation.

38: Doesn't look like he has got it down - great tackle from Chris Lawrence looks to have held up the Eels fullback. Decision still pending though.

38: NO TRY is the ruling. Knock on is the decision. 20m restart to the Tigers.

39: Penalty late in the tackle count for a leg pull against Terepo puts the Tigers on the attack.

39: Into the final minute of the half and the Tigers are 5m out from the try line.

40: Naiqama goes over in the corner after a superb back line movement from the Tigers. Video ref having a look but looks to be a TRY.

40: TRY WESTS TIGERS
Scored by Kevin Naiqama. Kick to come.
The winger gets 4 points for the Tigers. But only 1 point for his hair cut!

40: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION WESTS TIGERS
Conversion attempt by Pat Richards unsuccessful.
The sideline conversion is waved away. Halftime siren sounds in the background.

40: Not to many points to speak of in the first half here at ANZ Stadium with Parramatta leading the Tigers, 6-4, at halftime. Both sides with their chances but have failed to capitalise. The rain and slippery conditions have seen some uncharacteristic errors from both sides. In great news for Tigers fans, Robbie Farah has been cleared to return to the field after his concussion test. It's anyones game with only 2 points separating the teams. Strap yourself in for an exciting second half!

41: Sandow gets us underway in the second half. The little halfback holds a big key in the Eels chances in this game!

42: Tigers safely complete their first set in the second half.

42: News out of the sheds at half time is Eels Centre Ryan Morgan won't be back for the rest of the game!

44: Eels seem to have come out of the half time break full of running. They are winning the early exchanges of this half.

44: Good set from the Eels finishes with a grubbing kick crossing the line just 1m out from the Tigers line.

45: Tigers working the ball out of their own end through Woods and Buchanan.

46: The arm wrestle continues as the Tigers complete another set.

46: Hopoate with another scoot out of dummy half - he has been busy in that role today!

47: The Eels return the favour with a completed set of their own. Not much ball movement from either team to start the second half.

48: Parramatta once again working the ball through the middle of the field as they advance inside the Tigers 30m zone.

49: Average kick from Norman on the last tackle, is easily taken by Naiqama

50: Tigers looks as though they received instructions to be patient in the second half as they haven't looked to spread the ball at all.

50: Eels look disjointed in attack - but that is expected with two second rowers playing in the centres after the reshuffle Morgans injury has caused.

51: Tigers complete their set, and the Eels do the same. Not much going on at the moment!

52: The first bit of excitement of the second half comes from Tigers centre Tim Simona as he makes a break up the middle of the Eels defence but the play breaks down and Eels gain possession.

54: The Tigers break the shackles with a bit of second phase play

54: As a bomb goes up from Brooks the Tigers players get first play at the ball and bats the ball back into the in goal, the ball rolled around for what seemed an age, however Hopoate cleans up. Eels drop out.

56: Tigers on the attack

56: The last play kick from the Tigers is very poor and Hopoate does the job at the back again. Eels working it out of their own end.

56: After what has been a frantic few minutes, Sandow gives us all a breather by driving the ball into touch 20m out from the Tigers line. Everyone take a breath!

57: Parramatta win a scrum against the feed, taking us back to the 1980's but the referee calls in back!

58: This time the Tigers win the scrum and work the Steeden out of their own half.

59: Another bomb from the Tigers is defused by Faraimo. The Eels back three have been safe as banks thus far.

60: 20m into the second half and their has been no change to the halftime score. With the attacking skill littered amongst both these teams surely something has to give soon!

60: Tigers run it on the last and make a break up the left hand touchline, but the infield kick from Richards is gathered by Eels five-eighth Corey Norman in cover defence. Eels ball.

61: Eels finish their set 10m out from the Tigers defence.

62: Another completed set from the Tigers. They are playing patiently at the moment. Do they know they are behind?

62: The Tigers have had 63% of possession in the last 5 minutes, but its been at the wrong end of the field.

63: Tigers working it out of their end again. Just one pass off the dummy half, the forwards barrel it up the middle.

64: POSSIBLE TRY. Brooks puts up a midfield bomb and Richards cleans up the bouncing ball and goes over in the corner. Video ref having a look!

64: Looks to be a knock on from Richards as he contested the ball

64: The video referee agrees, NO TRY. Scrum feed to the Eels 10m out from their line.

65: The game is starting to open up a bit - finally! As Corey Norman makes inroads up the right side for the Eels.

65: Martin Taupau goes straight through the middle of the Eels defence after fending off Watmough, but in his attempt to beat the fullback he throws a forward pass. Scrum to the Eels.

65: With 15 minutes to go its still anyones game. As the Eels backs come into give the forwards a breather

65: UNFORCED ERROR PARRAMATTA EELS
Anthony Watmough makes an unforced error.
After his missed tackle on Taupau, Watmough coughs it up. Not a good couple of minutes for the second rower.!

67: On the back of the mistake the Tigers go on the attack.

67: Farah, Tedesco and Brooks all heavily involved!

68: But the last tackle play proves no result as the Eels gain possession and work the ball up the field.

68: UNFORCED ERROR PARRAMATTA EELS
Joseph Paulo makes an unforced error.
Another knock on from the Eels. 40m out from the Eels try line, the Tigers have a scrum feed.

69: UNFORCED ERROR WESTS TIGERS
Chris Lawrence makes an unforced error.
The Tigers return the favour. Chris Lawrence spills his lollies and relieves the Eels once again.

69: UNFORCED ERROR PARRAMATTA EELS
Danny Wicks makes an unforced error.
Eels playing this set more conservatively, but yet another knock on from Wicks. 3 knock-ons in their last 3 sets!

70: Tigers inside the Eels 30m line yet again, can they com up with points this time?

70: POSSIBLE TRY. Tigers may have scored an amazing try in the corner through. After a swift back line movement, Pat Richards scoots up the sideline and kicks back infield for Tedesco to catch the ball and score. Video ref has been consulted. He's got a lot to look at!!

70: TRY WESTS TIGERS
Scored by James Tedesco. Kick to come.
TRY TIME! Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! Pat Richards in his 100th game has pulled off a miracle! Tedesco gets his 5th of the season!

72: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION WESTS TIGERS
Conversion attempt by Pat Richards successful.
The magician adds the extras for the Tigers. The visitors in front for the first time!

72: The game has suddenly come alive! 8 minutes to go. Still anyones to win..or lose!

73: Tigers complete their set after the try. Eels working the ball away from their own end.

74: Corey Norman decides on a midfield bomb on the last tackle but it is well taken by Tedesco.

74: Salt in the wounds for the Eels, with players ruled to be offside from the kick. Tigers go on the attack inside the Eels 30m.

75: Tigers can seal the game here as Taupau piggy backs three Eels defendered towards the try line.

76: A little grubber kick from the Tigers results in 6 to go. Tigers surging towards the finishing line!

76: UNFORCED ERROR PARRAMATTA EELS
Anthony Watmough makes an unforced error.
As Farah runs from dummy half, Watmough reaches out and plays at the ball. Tigers scrum 10m out from Eels line.

77: POSSIBLE TRY - Pat Richards set up the last one, but this time he goes over in the corner after some great lead up work by Tim Simona. Video ref is checking the grounding

77: TRY WESTS TIGERS
Scored by Pat Richards. Kick to come.
Hopoate gets Richards in the head with a swinging arm in the act of scoring. Possible 8 point try for the Tigers. That should be the game!

78: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION WESTS TIGERS
Conversion attempt by Pat Richards successful.
King Richard bangs it over from the sideline. He gets another chance from in front now to convert the 8 point try.

78: SUCCESSFUL PENALTY GOAL WESTS TIGERS
Penalty goal attempt by Pat Richards successful.
He makes it a 12 point game. Surely the Tigers can't lose from here!

79: POSSIBLE TRY - Straight off the kick-off the Tigers go 100m to score. Through Pat Richards once again. Video ref confirming.

79: TRY WESTS TIGERS
Scored by Luke Brooks. Kick to come.
The halfback is awarded the try but Richards did all the work again! Tigers running away with it now!.

80: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION WESTS TIGERS
Conversion attempt by Pat Richards unsuccessful.
He is human after all. He misses the conversion but its all over.

80: The full time siren sounds and the Tigers take the 2 points.

80: Wests Tigers take the two points, 22-6 over Parramatta in the first game of Easter Monday. The match was closely contested for 70minutes before the Tigers, on the back of some Pat Richards brilliance, ran away with the game late in the second half. Thanks for joining us today - stay tuned for the match report, and join us on our forums for more Rugby League discussion about the match. Next up Storm vs Warriors!