Parramatta Eels got themselves back in the winner's circle with a comfortable 42-6 win against Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon at Western Sydney Stadium.
This game looked like the Eels that we have been used to in 2022. They were in sparkling form with the ball and the return of Mitchell Moses helped steer the side around against a lackluster Bulldogs side.
The Eels welcomed back Mitch Moses and the halfback's return gave them an inspired start. A high kick was batted back and found Will Penisini who dived over for the opener.
Looking much more like their usual selves, the Eels produced a carbon copy for their second four-pointer. Quick hands on the right this time to Waqa Blake who showed off with an acrobatic finish to make it 12-2.
The Dogs took the lead through an early Matt Burton penalty goal but found the stripe in the 28th minute. Aaron Schoupp with some pace to beat Blake and make it 12-6.
It isn't a game at Western Sydney Stadium without a Maika Sivo try. The powerhouse strolled over after a wonderful pass from Dylan Brown which cutout several players for a 16-6 lead at the break.
The hosts looked to find their groove and they added to their advantage in the second half. Another good pass this time to Ryan Matterson who walked past several Bulldogs defenders to score.
Parramatta were in a mood this afternoon and just opened up the Bulldogs again. On second tackle, they swung it left and Tom Opacic got into the try-scoring action for 26-6.
Back in the side and Moses showed off all the skills. He kicked earlier for Brown which was chalked off due to offside. This time, he puts in a grubber then a football-style first touch from Brown saw the five-eighth make it 32-6.
The two combined again to put the Eels ahead by 32. Moses who was being treated moments before, kicked through and Brown beat the chasers to the ball for his double.
There was one last party piece left for the Eels. They broke from their own end and created space. A fantastic pass from Junior Paulo allows Blake to score his double and bring up the 40 points.