Eels make a statement against storied rivals

v BYE

In an enthralling encounter at ANZ Stadium, Parramatta have prevailed 20-6 over Canterbury before a crowd of 30,018.

Coming into the fixture, both sides showed plenty of promise over the opening fortnight and with a rivalry forged during epic clashes in the 1980s, the match didn't fail to deliver on expectations.

In a game built around defence, both sides held their line firmly, with the only points of the first half coming through a piece of brilliance by Semi Radradra to set up Michael Jennings.

With Kieran Foran hoisting a high ball just over halfway, the Fijian flyer leapt above William Hopoate before offloading to the supporting Jennings, who touched down for his first try since joining over the off-season from the Roosters.

Canterbury threatened to equalise on several occasions during the opening 40 minutes, but poor last-play options saw the Eels easily account for Moses Mbye's over-reliance on bombs targeted towards Clinton Gutherson.

Despite threatening consistently throughout the opening half, the Eels only held a slender lead and shortly after the break, fullback Michael Gordon added a penalty goal to take Parramatta's advantage outside a converted try.

Following repeated pressure, the Bulldogs forced an error inside the Eels half and appeared to hit back through Sam Perrett, only for a controversial refereeing call deny the home side.

Despite Sam Kasiano passing the ball forward, referee Matt Cecchin indicated a try ruling. With Perrett's grounding suggesting Cecchin's decision be upheld, the try was denied following a call by touch judge Peter Gough made after the play had been transferred to the NRL bunker for adjudication.

Having suffered the setback, the Bulldogs looked to overcome the adversity, but the Eels took an unassailable lead following a break by Michael Jennings that was finished on the next play by Semi Radradra.

Chiming in with another long-range effort just minutes later, Radradra registered his 50th career try, before William Hopoate snuck over just before fulltime to see the Eels run out 20-6 victors.

Producing arguably their best performance since the 2009 Finals campaign, Parramatta showed remarkable tenacity and willingness to prevail. Having overcome two of the leading contenders and been far from disgraced by Brisbane in the opening round, the Eels look set for a big season in 2016.

While the Bulldogs were tireless in defence, their attacking options lacked throughout the game as an over-reliance on kicking away from Semi Radradra enabled the visitors to start sets on the front foot. The decision to disallow Perrett's try will likely come under scrutiny throughout the week, but for coach Des Hasler the loss will serves as an indicator of where the side needs to improve.

Next week the Bulldogs face off against South Sydney on Good Friday afternoon, while Parramatta will play Wests Tigers on Monday afternoon. Both matches will be held at ANZ Stadium.