Morris brothers shine as Parramatta handed first defeat

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Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels

The Parramatta Eels have suffered their first defeat of the NRL season following their 24-10 loss to the Sydney Roosters at Bankwest Stadium.

The opening forty minutes was a tough affair with the Roosters making all the running and despite some valiant defence from the Eels they couldn't get any attacking opportunities. The opening score of the half came after 20 minutes when Brett Morris was able to force his way over the line to score.

Kyle Flanagan couldn't convert the try but it didn't hurt the Roosters too much with Flanagan adding two penalties goals during the first half to give the tricolours an 8-0 lead at the break.

The second half seemed to be a completely different game to the first half with Parramatta coming out strongly and pushing the Roosters onto the backfoot. The Blue and Gold were able to score early when Michael Jennings showed his experience to get across the line. The conversion attempt from Mitch Moses was waved away and the Eels trailed by 4.

It took the Roosters nearly 10 minutes to touch the ball in the second half but it didn't halt the Eels momentum. It was the hometown visitors who got over the line next when Maika Sivo used all his power to get over the line leaving James Tedesco in his wake. The conversion from the touchline was successful from Mitch Moses and the Eels took the lead for the first time.

The loss of Tedesco for the game didn't hurt the Roosters and they were able to strike back soon after when Boyd Cordner was able to get over the line after some strong lead-up work. Kyle Flanagan added the conversion and pushed the Roosters out to a 14-10 lead.

The Roosters then extended the lead out to six when Nathan Brown was penalised for a high shot on Victor Radley after a review by the bunker. Parramatta's woes continued when Michael Jennings was sent to the sin bin by referee Ben Cummins for a deliberate offside which saw the Tongan international not even attempting to get back onside. The Roosters added another penalty goal to go to an 18-10 lead.

Victory was capped off for the Roosters with Daniel Tupou scoring to push the margin out to 12 and then following the conversion for Kyle Flanagan, the Sydney Roosters took a 24-10 lead for the remaining 90 seconds.

Next weekend, the Roosters take on the St George Illawarra Dragons whilst the Parramatta Eels run doesn't get any easier with a clash up against the Canberra Raiders next Saturday night.