The Parramatta Eels have bounced back to the winners circle although it comes with more than a hint of controversy following the 25-24 victory over the Gold Coast Titans.
Starting fast, the Eels crossed the stripe inside the first five minutes when Regan Campbell-Gillard was able to go through some soft defence from the Titans. The Eels were racing the clock inside the first 12 minutes as Will Penisini added a second for Parramatta off the back of Mitch Moses running the ball on the last tackle and it ended up with the centre
The Titans hit back soon after as Alofiana Khan-Pereira went over in the corner after the Titans were able to keep the ball alive on the last tackle. Things soon went from bad to worse for the Eels has they had not one but two players sin binned as Maika Sivo was the first to go for a high shot before Regan Campbell-Gillard drew the ire of Chris Butler for dangerous contact with the knees and he was given ten in the bin.
Despite having the two extra men advantage, the Titans had a scare almost instantly but they ended up taking advantage as Phillip Sami ran 80m to score and get the Gold Coast within two points.
Alofiana Khan-Pereira added a second try as again the Gold Coast took advantage of the two extra players as he went over in the corner. Tanah Boyd missed the conversion from out wide as the Titans lead 14-12.
Both sides kicked a penalty goal inside the last three minutes of the half as the Titans were called offside and Mitch Moses levelled the scores before the Gold Coast went back in front after a scrum infringement from the Eels.
Parramatta opened the scoring in the second half and again there was some controversy there after a burrowing penalty was missed in the play prior and then Bryce Cartwright looked to be held before making a second effort to the line.
The Eels gave away two set restarts in a row and the Titans took advantage as Tanah Boyd went straight through to score. He then added is conversion followed by a Penalty goal and the Titans lead 24-18.
One of the more divisive moments came in the 67th minute when Clint Gutherson went over in the corner and looked like he went into touch but after a long deliberation by the bunker, the try was awarded much to the surprise of most people given the live decision of no try. Mitch Moses converted the try from the sideline to level the scores.
With five minutes to go the Eels went in front as Mitch Moses was calm under pressure and slotted a field goal. Titans fans were left with another bitter taste in their mouths after the circumstances of their lost last week and twice it looked as if they could be the beneficiary of the same ruling but instead referee Chris Butler elected not to blow the penalty despite both field goal misses being affected by offside players.
The Titans couldn't get the ball back to the other end and fell to a painful 25-24 defeat.
Next weekend, the Eels could be without a couple of key stars as they head to Townsville for a clash with the Cowboys. The Titans will return home as they take on the Roosters on Saturday afternoon.